Mark Dombroski Memorial Run/Walk raises funds for new Middletown playground

MIDDLETOWN — The second annual Mark Dombroski Memorial 5K Run and Two Mile Walk will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at Roosevelt Community Center, home of Middletown Free Library, 464 S. Old Middletown Road, Middletown Township.

Proceeds will benefit the Mark Dombroski Foundation’s Playground Building Fund.

Since 2020, the foundation has been working with Middletown Township, and fundraising for an accessible playground.

It will be named the Mark Dombroski Memorial Park, or “Mark’s Park,” in memory of Dombroski, who tragically passed away in 2018 from injuries suffered in a fall, while in Bermuda participating in a rugby tournament with his St Joseph’s University teammates.

The combination of children’s literacy, through trips to the library, and healthy outdoor play at the playground, is a way to continue Mark’s legacy of kindness, unity and fun organizers said.

It will be a happy place for many children of differing ages and abilities, and their families and friends. Dombroski’s friendly and “lit from within” personality was a blessing to many beyond his family. Friends and teammates have commented on his encouraging, positive attitude and beautiful smile.

His family received numerous letters and tributes from friends emphasizing how he helped them get through tough times. He loved Jesus and participated in numerous summer mission trips and outreach programs. A gifted athlete, he was a spirited competitor who earned 11 Coach’s and MVP Awards in six different sports.

Last year, the foundation had over 300 runners and walkers come out to enjoy the glorious fall weather and raise funds in Mark’s memory. For more information about this year’s run/walk or to register or be a sponsor, visit http://MarkDombroskiFoundation.org/.

Broomall resident among first Peace Corps volunteers to return to service overseas

Broomall resident Nicole Gormley is among the first Peace Corps volunteers to return to overseas service since the agency’s unprecedented global evacuation in March 2020. The Peace Corps suspended global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from more than 60 countries at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was motivated to join Peace Corps by a professor I had on a study abroad trip who served in The Gambia. I chose to serve where needed most and I’m very excited that I have the opportunity to serve in the same country that inspired me to apply,” Gormley said. “I hope to help empower young women globally, and I am excited for the opportunity to more deeply connect to people in a different culture by learning their language.”

Gormley is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. She will serve as a volunteer in Gambia in the agriculture sector.

The Peace Corps is an international service network of volunteers, community members, host country partners and staff who are driven by the agency’s mission of world peace and friendship.

“The world is at a critical juncture. The largest global vaccination effort in history is underway while other widespread health, social, political, and environmental issues continue to erode the foundation of our global society. Actions taken in the next few years have the potential to fundamentally impact development trajectories for decades to come,” said Peace Corps CEO Carol Spahn. “Peace Corps volunteers returning to The Gambia will work alongside community members to support urgent development efforts and build critical connections.”

The volunteer cohorts are made up of both first-time volunteers and volunteers who were evacuated in early 2020.

Upon finishing a three-month training, volunteers will collaborate with their host communities on locally prioritized projects in one of Peace Corps’ six sectors — agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health or youth in development — and all will engage in COVID-19 response and recovery work.

Currently, the agency is recruiting volunteers to serve in 53 countries around the world at the request of host country governments, to connect through the Peace Corps’ grassroots approach across communities and cultures.

Volunteers have already returned to a total of 29 countries around the world. The Peace Corps continues to monitor COVID-19 trends in all of its host countries and will send volunteers to serve as conditions permit. Americans interested in transformative service and lifelong connections should apply to Peace Corps service at http://www.peacecorps.gov/apply.

McCausland Funeral Home hosts pumpkin painting day

McCausland Garrity Marchesani Funeral Home, 343 S. Chester Pike, Glenolden, will host a free Family Pumpkin Painting event, Sunday, Oct. 16 at noon.

The fun fall day will include pumpkin painting, games, moon bounces, prizes, snacks and treats. Everyone is welcome.

Ardent Credit Union announces partnership with Haverford YMCA

Ardent Credit Union recently announced a partnership with the Haverford YMCA, a branch of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA.

As part of the partnership, Ardent will work closely with the Haverford YMCA to provide the community with financial literacy resources through events and seminars.

The partnership includes participation in the YMCA’s block parties and Gobble Wobble, a Thanksgiving Day 5K race.

Additionally, the credit union will be the presenting sponsor for the YMCA’s Trunk or Treat event at the end of October. Ardent will also engage with members of the Spring Valley and Phoenixville YMCAs, as well as the Greater Philadelphia YMCA’s 2,000 employees to improve their own financial wellbeing.

“The Haverford Y currently serves over 20,000 members, working to connect them to healthier lives,” said Mike Boyle, executive director of the Haverford YMCA. “At each stage of life, our members have different health goals, but they also have changing financial goals. Now, as we partner with Ardent Credit Union, we are thankful to add the resources to help our members maintain and strengthen their financial health.”

With nearly 37,000 members, Ardent has seven branches across southeastern PA, including locations in Wayne, Philadelphia, Oaks, King of Prussia and Blue Bell. For more information, visit http://www.ardentcu.org

Bargain Basement features Halloween, Thanksgiving items

The Bargain Basement, 245 Upland Road, Brookhaven, is open on the second Friday and Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This month, on Oct. 14 and 15, the Bargain Basement will feature Halloween and Thanksgiving items. Everyone is invited to pick up some treasures at rock bottom prices.

One-hundred percent of the thrift shop’s proceeds benefit Family Promise Delco, which provides emergency shelter and support for homeless families in Delaware County. For more information, visit http://familypromisedelco.org/.

Delaware County Victim Assistance Center needs volunteers

Delaware County Victim Assistance Center has been providing services to victims of sexual assault and to their significant others since 1974. The non-profit agency depends on the support of its volunteers to help assist meeting the needs of its clients, 24-hours a day. Services to victims include hospital/police interview accompaniment, and telephone crisis intervention.

Volunteers receive a 40-hour training to prepare them for their responsibilities and are asked to provide support at least twice a month for an evening or weekend shift. Delaware County Victim Assistance Center is asking interested community members to contact Lauren Guenther at 610-566-4342 or lciatteo@delcovictimassistance.org.

Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com/.