Monday, December 30, 2013

January is National Blood Donor Month

Blood is usually in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, bad weather and illness. January, in particular, is a difficult month for blood centers to collect donations. Poor turnouts can put our nation’s blood supply at a critical low. The AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks), along with America’s Blood Centers, is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation. Every day in the United State, blood is needed in hospitals to care for patients with cancer and other diseases, for organ transplant recipients, and to help save the lives of accident and trauma victims. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.


Facts About Blood: 

• More than 38,000 blood donations are needed each day.
• Blood can be separated into at least three components: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
• Just one blood donation can help save up to three lives.
• 60% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, but only 5 % actually donate.
• Blood and blood products are perishable. Donated red blood cells must be used within 42 days of collection

A blood donation truly is a “gift of life” that a healthy individual can give to others who are sick or injured.

Continue your holiday giving and donate now!

To learn more about blood donation visit www.aabb.org. To find areas in your community where you can donate blood, visit https://www.membersforlife.org/pennj/schedule/bdc_zip.php to search by zip code.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

PRESTIGIOUS GRAMMY CAMP®

Two Upper Darby High School students have been selected along with 30 other talented teens, to perform in the 2014 Grammy Camp Jazz Session.  The students, Immanuel Wilkins and Yesseh Furaha-Ali, play the saxophone.

GRAMMY Camp — Jazz Session has been fostering the next generation of music and its makers since 1993, and the results have been truly impressive," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the GRAMMY Foundation and The Recording Academy®. "Not only do these young people have a once-in-a-lifetime experience during GRAMMY Week playing with their peers as well as with GRAMMY-nominated and GRAMMY-winning artists at a range of events, but many of them go on to enjoy thriving performance careers, including singer/pianist Peter Cincotti, three-time GRAMMY-nominated jazz pianist Gerald Clayton, New York Philharmonic bassist David J. Grossman, GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter Brandon Heath, saxophonist Grace Kelly, and pianist Aaron Parks, among others."

The selected students will perform at various GRAMMY Week events including — for the fifth year— an appearance at GRAMMY In The Schools Live! — A Celebration Of Music & Education, sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund. This special evening, which is open to the public, will showcase the selectees, along with special guest artists, on Jan. 22, 2014, at the University of Southern California. The group will offer another public performance at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment with a special guest artist on Jan. 23. GRAMMY Camp — Jazz Session members will also attend the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Jan. 26 as guests of The Recording Academy and will perform at theGRAMMY Celebration® after-party.

On Jan. 23–25, the young musicians will again record at the legendary Capitol Studios & Mastering in Hollywood, Calif., courtesy of the EMI Music Group. GRAMMY Camp — Jazz Session albums from 2007–2013 are available for purchase at online music outlets such as AmazoniTunes, Napster, and Rhapsody.

The GRAMMY Camp — Jazz Session selectees are eligible for more than $2 million in college scholarships made possible through the GRAMMY Foundation's college partners: Berklee College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, and USC Thornton School of Music. In addition, each selectee's school will receive a professional cymbal courtesy of the Zildjian Company.

Check out the two in the below video taken during an appearance in Memphis.



Thursday, December 5, 2013

Tree Lighting Ceremony


Join Upper Darby Township and The Upper Darby School District on Sunday, December 8 for the Tree Lighting Concert.


Free Concert at 3 PM at the Tower Theater
Tree Lighting at 4:30 PM at the top of 69th Street

Bring the entire family to enjoy more than 400 talented performers
including the Aronimink Singers,
the Beverly Hills Middle School Orchestra, Band and Chorlations,
The Bywood Buddies,
The Girls Ensemble and Concerts Singers from Drexel Hill Middle School,
The Garrettford Singers and the
Stonehurst select Singers
Welcome Santa as he kicks off the Holiday Season!


Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Holidays Begin at the UDPAC!

The Nutcracker!
This week! An affordable alternative to ring in the holiday season!

Consider This:

The most valuable holiday memories revolve around the quality time we spend with loved-ones and the experiences we share with them.

Treat your family to a memorable gift of the performing arts to ring in your holidays!

Join us for a magical sleigh ride to the Land of the Sweets! Enjoy the stirring music of Tchaikovsky, the intricate choreography performed by the professional soloists, and the journey of a little girl from a Christmas party to a world of new experiences and intriguing characters! All at an affordable price for everyone in the family to enjoy!

THE NUTCRACKER - THIS WEEK!


November 22 at 7:30 pm
November 23 at 11 am and 3 pm
November 24 at 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm

TICKETS:
$10 - $22

For more information and to purchase tickets, call the box office: 610.622.1189 or












More Performances at UDPAC this Holiday Season!
The Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra
The Holiday Concert
Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 pm

Tickets:
General Admission: $18
UDPAC members: $16
Senior: $15
Students under 25 with ID: $5

Tickets available at the door. For more information call: 610.622.1189.



Christmas Time is Here!
The Upper Darby Summer Stage Shooting Stars present the Annual Holiday Show!

Two performances this year!
December 20 at 7:30 pm
December 21 at 2:00 pm

Tickets:
Just $6 - $9
Call the box office: 610.622.1189 or visit the Web site: www.udpac.org for tickets! 


Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA * 610.622.1189 * www.udpac.org

DCCC:Up to 72% off tuition and fees under new program for high school students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2013

Contact: Anthony Twyman, Assistant to the President for Communications, 610-325-2816



More than 70% off Tuition and Fees, Under New College Pilot Program for High School Students

(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA)—For a limited time, the College is allowing students from Delaware and Chester Counties the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school at a substantially discounted rate of up to 72 percent off the College’s normal tuition and fees.

 “Our High School Dual Enrollment Pilot Program provides high school students with a way to accelerate their education, while saving them and their parents a significant amount of money on a quality college education,” said College President Dr. Jerry Parker, adding that 266 students are already enrolled for the fall semester.

Qualified students from the College’s sponsoring school districts pay only $40 per credit versus the normal $146 a credit with fees. Students from non-sponsoring school districts pay only $80 per credit versus the normal $254 a credit with fees. Courses can be taken at most of the College’s nine locations. Fees are waived. Application deadlines are Dec. 1 for the spring semester, May 1 for Summer I and June 1 for Summer II. (Sponsoring districts contribute to the College; residents from these districts receive a reduced tuition rate).

 The High School Dual Enrollment Pilot Program will last three years. Eligible high school juniors can earn up to nine college credits, while eligible high school seniors can earn up to 12 college credits. Thus, by the time students graduate from high school, they can accumulate up to 21 credits. Program eligibility is based on a student’s potential for success, which includes demonstrated academic ability and motivation.

Additionally, dual enrollment students can save thousands of dollars by completing their first two years at Delaware County Community College and then transferring to a four-year school for a baccalaureate degree. Studies show that students who complete their associate degree before transferring credits are more likely to attain their bachelor’s degree. 

The College—under already existing programs (Dual Admissions, Core-to-Core Articulations, and Guaranteed Admissions Agreements)—enables students who graduate with an associate degree to seamlessly transfer their credits to a variety of four-year schools. These transfer agreements often come with guaranteed admission and excellent scholarship opportunities to universities such as Drexel, Penn State, Temple, West Chester, and Widener, as well as to colleges such as Albright, Cabrini, Chestnut Hill, Peirce and Rosemont.

College transfer agreements and high school dual enrollment programs enable four-year schools to enroll students they may otherwise have not received. Research shows that students who take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities while in high school tend to be more successful as they progress through their post-secondary education experience.

 “Participation in the College’s Dual Enrollment Pilot Program can simplify and take the worry out of the college admissions process,” said Fran Cubberley, the College’s vice president for Enrollment Management. “The College’s dual enrollment and dual admissions programs allow qualified students to—early on in their college selection process—be assured of guaranteed admission to excellent four-year schools in the Greater Philadelphia area.”

Students are under no obligation to attend Delaware County Community College after completing the High School Dual Enrollment Pilot Program and can transfer the credits they earn to a four-year school.

To learn more about the Dual Enrollment Pilot Program, visit www.dccc.edu/highschool, or call 610-359-5141.

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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Job Search Workshop

Looking for a new job? In this workshop, you will learn how to:
  • Find available opportunities
  • Research companies, non-profits, and other potential employers
  • Market yourself and your skills
  • Use LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media in your search
This FREE workshop will be led by Barbara Mock, Esq. Barbara is an attorney and human resources management consultant.  She will draw on her 20+ years experience to help you match your skills with available opportunities. 

EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA! If you attend this workshop, you will be offered a FREE 2-hour small group job search computer session with Barbara!
The workshop will be held in the library's 2nd floor meeting room.  There is no elevator.
Registration is required and is limited to 16 people.  Sign up here or call the library at 610-789-4440.


Male Achievers Program

Get Your Boys Ages 12-17
Up & Out of Bed
FOR THE 

City of Chester & Delaware County
MALE ACHIEVERS PROGRAM

THIS Saturday, November 16, 2013
From 9am-1:30pm 
FREE
Lunch Included)
@
The College Access Center of Delaware County
400 E. 21st Street
Chester, PA 19013
"Let's Us Help Turn Your Boys Into Scholars"
Future Dates for Male Achievers Activities Include:

Dec. 21st, Jan. 18thFeb. 22ndMar. 15thApr. 12thMay 12thJune 14th


Fathers-Husbands-Uncles-Coaches-Teachers-Mentors-Adult Male Neighbors-Come Help Us Provide A Safe Place For Our Young Black & Latino Males to Learn, Engage, & Develop.

Monday, November 11, 2013

USCIS Honors Military Veterans During Naturalization Ceremonies

Release Date: November 08, 2013

WASHINGTON—In recognition of Veterans Day, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will conduct naturalization ceremonies across the country that will feature military members, military spouses and veterans taking the Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens. From Nov. 7-13, USCIS is welcoming approximately 8,000 new U.S. citizens during 120 naturalization ceremonies throughout the nation and overseas.
Since September 2002, USCIS has naturalized more than 92,000 members of the military, including nearly 11,000 who received their citizenship overseas.
“Throughout our history, thousands of immigrants have made extraordinary sacrifices for this country through military service,” USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas said. “These men and women pledged to defend our nation to protect liberties they had yet to secure for themselves. We salute all our veterans for helping to preserve this nation as a beacon of hope and opportunity.”
USCIS’s Veterans Day celebration will feature a Nov. 13 naturalization ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. During this event, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Rand Beers will administer the Oath, and USCIS Deputy Director Lori Scialabba will recognize Dr. Rahul Jindal, a transplant surgeon at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., as an Outstanding American by Choice.
Other ceremony highlights include events at:
  • Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum in Pittsburgh on Nov. 8;
  • Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan on Veterans Day (Nov. 11);
  • Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, on Veterans Day (Nov. 11); and
  • The Old State House in Hartford, Conn., on Nov. 13.
Additionally, five recruits will become new citizens at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego through the Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative. USCIS developed this program with the Department of Defense to allow noncitizen military enlistees to complete the naturalization process during basic training. Previously, it could prove challenging to naturalize active duty members of the armed services who may have been deployed to locations around the world.
USCIS invites new citizens and their families and friends to share their experiences from the ceremonies through Twitter using the hashtag #newUScitizen.
For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook (/uscis), and the USCIS blog The Beacon

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

It Takes a Village

“IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD”
The Strengthening Families Program 10 -14

A nationally recognized and proven effective family program!

The teen years can be challenging for all families…
SFP 10-14 can help parents and young people develop skills to prepare them for the teen years!

For Families of Fifth Grade Families 
Held at Hillcrest Elementary School
2601 Bond Avenue, Drexel Hill

Tuesdays (10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/12, 11/19), 

5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

FAMILIES CAN EARN $240 (GIFT CARDS) FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THIS SEVEN WEEK PROGRAM

Coordinated by the Upper Darby School District & Family and Community Service of Delaware County
For more information or to register -
Contact Cheryl Thomas at 484-448-6137 or email cthomas@fcsdc.org

Program is funded by the Pew Charitable Trust and COPE (Committee on Prevention Education) which is coordinated by Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems and funded by the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol.

PA WIC Offices are Open

The following was released by the Department of Health’s Press Office earlier today:

News for Immediate Release

Oct. 2, 2013

Pennsylvania WIC Offices Open During Federal Government Shutdown

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Michael Wolf reminded Pennsylvanians today that all Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offices across the state are open and providing services during the federal government shutdown.

“The Pennsylvania WIC program is operating as it normally does at this time, despite the federal government shutdown,” Wolf said. “All local WIC offices are currently open and are continuing to provide vital services to the families and individuals who depend on them in the commonwealth.”

The department anticipates that the Pennsylvania WIC program can continue normal operations in the short-term due to funds carried forward from the previous year and additional food funds, including rebates.

“We are watching budgets closely and have instructed all local offices to ensure fiscal responsibility with their allocated funds during this time. If we all keep focused, we believe we can sustain the program as we normally do for a few weeks,” said Wolf. “In anticipation of a possible long-term federal government shutdown, we are working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Governor Corbett’s office to develop a plan to minimize service disruptions as much as possible.”

As part of the long-term planning process, local WIC agencies have been asked to submit an outline to the department that details steps to minimize administrative spending and ways to ensure minimal reductions to participant food benefits should the shutdown continue for an extended period of time. The department will then coordinate plans and submit them for review to the USDA.

The Pennsylvania WIC program provides services including nutrition services, breastfeeding support, healthcare and social service referrals, and healthy foods, to approximately 250,000 recipients per month. In the fiscal year 2013-2014 their federal budget was approximately $208 million.

For additional information, recipients can visit www.pawic.com.

A list of local office contacts and information can be found under the “Contact Us” tab. Information is also available via phone at 1-800-WIC-WINS (942-9467).


Media contact: Aimee Tysarczyk, 717-787-1783 ###

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Independence Blue Cross offers broad array of Medicare choices with lower premiums


Contact:          Donna Farrell
Work: 215 241-4451 
Cell: 267 303-9681 
                        Donna.Farrell@ibx.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independence Blue Cross offers broad array

of Medicare choices with lower premiums

More options, including a $0 monthly option, for most popular plans

Philadelphia, PA - October 1, 2013 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) today announced that for 2014 it will continue to offer its Keystone 65 Select HMO Medicare Advantage (MA) plan with no monthly premium in all five counties it serves. The Select plan is one of eight comprehensive IBC options Medicare beneficiaries can choose during this year’s annual enrollment period from October 15 to December 7, with benefits effective January 1, 2014.

IBC is also pleased to announce that for 2014:
·         Most of its Medicare Advantage plan premiums will decrease.
·         Personal Choice 65 PPO premiums will decrease by nearly 41 percent for the medical only product and by nearly 23 percent for medical and prescription drug product in Bucks and Philadelphia counties.
·         IBC’s zero premium Keystone 65 Select Rx HMO plan will also include prescription drug at no additional cost in Bucks and Philadelphia counties with reduced premiums for this product and prescription drug in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties. 
·         There will be no change in premium to the Keystone 65 Preferred HMO medical only product and minimal increases averaging between 1.4 and 6.3 percent to include prescription drug coverage.
·         Keystone Select 65 HMO plan provides members access to a robust network of hospitals, which includes most of the region’s top hospitals. A list of participating hospitals is available at www.ibxmedicare.com.

“Our 2014 Medicare products continue to offer the long-term stability and peace of mind our members have come to expect from Independence Blue Cross,” said Robert J. Smith, IBC vice president of sales and marketing for government markets. "As the largest Medicare health plan in our region, we've worked hard to be the plan people know and trust by staying committed to our members over the years while other insurers have come and gone.  We are excited to offer a variety of affordable plans to fit every member’s needs.”

IBC’s full portfolio of Medicare health plans in 2014 includes four Keystone 65 Select HMO options, two Keystone 65 Preferred HMO plans, and two Personal Choice 65 PPO plan options in addition to prescription drug and Medicare Supplement products.

All of IBC’s Medicare Advantage plans offer members additional value by including extra benefits to help keep its members healthy, such as the SilverSneakers® fitness program, at no cost. IBC’s Medicare Advantage health plans also include coverage for emergency or urgent care anywhere in the world—providing members the security they need when on the go.  In addition, IBC’s health plans offer hearing, dental, and vision coverage, which is included in the monthly premium for some plans and can be purchased for $7 a month for other plans.

IBC also offers BlueExtraSM, a low-cost supplemental plan that includes dental, vision, and hearing aid coverage — benefits that are often not included in Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans. BlueExtra may be purchased by anyone who would like to have hearing, dental, or vision coverage in addition to their medical coverage, whether or not they are covered by an IBC health plan.

“We are committed to serving our members and prospective members during this open enrollment period and speaking with them about ways to save them money and keep them healthy,” said Smith. “We have more than 1,000 dedicated licensed brokers/sales agents available to help  members make the best plan choice to meet their needs. We‘re hosting more than 200 meetings and setting up information booths at a number of local retail pharmacies and supermarkets throughout the five counties to help people get the information they need to make informed decisions.”

Enrollment rules and options
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) generally permits individual Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan only during the six-week annual enrollment period, from October 15 to December 7. Beneficiaries cannot change to another Medicare Advantage plan after December 7, however, from January 1 to February 14, CMS allows Medicare beneficiaries to disenroll from a MA plan and sign up for a Medicare Supplement or return to Original Medicare.

Members and prospective members can learn more about IBC’s Medicare plans by visiting www.ibxmedicare.com or calling 1-877-393-6733 or TTY/TDD: 1-877-219-5457 and signing up for an IBC information meeting held at locations across southeastern Pennsylvania from now until year-end. In addition, beneficiaries can buy an IBC individual MA plan through one of IBC’s licensed brokers or agents.

About Independence Blue Cross
Proudly celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2013, Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve more than 7 million people nationwide, including 2.2 million in the region. We are enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more about how we’re changing the game, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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Monday, September 23, 2013

Upcoming Township Events

Drexel Hill Middle School

September 24, 2013     6:45 PM

Beverly Hills Middle School

October 7, 2013     6:45 PM

Primos Elementary School

October 8, 2013     6:45 PM

Holy Child Elementary School

October 15, 2013     6:45 PM

Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire House

October 22, 2013     6:45 PM

Aronimink Elementary School

October 29, 2013     6:45 PM

         Additional Township events of interest