Darts & Laurels: Americans show heart helping Haiti
A look at the week that was, the issues and people who made headlines, and a few darts and laurels for those who deserve them.
LAUREL: to all those opening their hearts and wallets to aid those affected by the devastation in Haiti. As usual, Americans, and Delaware County residents as well, are first in line to help.
DART: to Mother Nature. It’s hard to fathom what’s been left behind in the aftermath of that 7.0 earthquake. Simply utter devastation.
DART: to politics as usual. As most suspected, that’s what is really behind the move by state Rep. Mario Civera to hold on to his House seat, at the same time he is serving as a newly elected county councilman.
LAUREL: to voice of the people, being heard loud and clear. Voters elected Mario Civera to the state House for 30 years. they also backed him overwhelmingly for county council. now they’re being heard loud and clear asking why he is holding on to both seats.
LAUREL: to Army 1st Lt. Francis Conroy. he spent a recent morning talking to kids at E.T. Richardson Middle School in Springfield, who had written him letters while he was serving in Concord.
DART: to how easily we forget the sacrifices that are being made by our men and women in uniform.
LAUREL: to Siobhan Boyle. She’s a Realtor with Century 21 and she’s donating $250 from every sale she makes to the Delco SPCA in light of the fee dispute that is causing it to turn away stray animals from some towns.
DART: to the latest controversy encircling the Delco animal shelter. A few towns have yet to sign new contracts — with much higher fees — with the SPCA. The ones hurt are the animals from those towns that are now turned away.
DART: to the many crumbling bridges that dot the landscape, and the hefty price tag that goes along with fixing them.
LAUREL: to officials in Marcus Hook and lower Chi, who are taking action to restore the span between the two towns in dire need of repair. Not everyone likes the idea, but it needs to be done.
LAUREL: to the “walkable community” being envisioned for the old Franklin Mint site along Baltimore Pike in Middletown.
DART: to the increase in traffic that undoubtedly will come along with it, in an area that is already beyond congested at most times of the day.
LAUREL: to the charette process that was used in Middletown to engage the community in the process of developing the mint site.
DART: to the loss of a huge chunk of open space. The fact is the site is going to be developed. The question now is how to best use it.
LAUREL: to the eight local museums, including the Brandywine River Museum, offering free admission on Jan. 23. Bravo!
DART: to the fact that much of the money saved on those tickets will be funneled into gas and heating oil, which are again spiking.
LAUREL: to the STEM Complex that opened for its first classes this week at Delaware County Community College. It’s a first-class structure for a first-class facility.
DART: to economic conditions that are sending more and more students — young and old — to community colleges. Some can’t afford other schools. Others are going back for more training. The STEM complex won’t be the last new building at DCCC. it is bulging at the seams.
LAUREL: to Swarthmore College. it was voted No. 1 by Princeton Review for private colleges in the listing of “Best Value Colleges.”
DART: to the increasingly tenuous situation at Cheyney University, where it is in danger of losing its accreditation because of persistent problems on campus. The president is tackling these problems head-on. we wish her well.
DART: to the trio of women charged with ripping off their employer, a Swarthmore bank, of more than $120,000. Talk about tapping MAC, authorities say they were dipping into the machines for cash.
LAUREL: to Swarthmore police. Officials noticed their parking-meter funds were dipping. they investigated and found the trio were dipping into the coins.
LAUREL: to the residents at Lutheran Knolls. they knitted 2,890 pillowcases to aid young cancer patients.
DART: to the horrific toll cancer takes each year. it knows no age boundaries, but it seems even more devastating when it affects young people.
LAUREL: to the state for setting up another series of H1N1 vaccine clinics last week, including several in Delco. more than 5,000 Pennsylvanians took advantage.
DART: to anyone who thinks the H1N1 danger is now passed. It’s still flu season, and we’re all still at risk. If you’re in one of the target groups, get the vaccine.
LAUREL: to late lower Chi Commissioner Joe Doyle. he represented everything that is right with public office.
DART: to the fact that there are not many like him any more, not many willing to give of their time and efforts to help their communities.
LAUREL: to the Salvation Army and others who provide shelter for the homeless when the temperatures drop below freezing. It’s dangerous out there on the streets.
DART: to the cold snap that enveloped us for the past two weeks. Today’s milder temps are a welcome reprieve. Bring on spring.
DART: to the Eagles. they did it to us again. one and done.
LAUREL: to the fans. they continue to bleed green. Unfortunately, too often they take that almost literally, licking their wounds after another bitter disappointment.
DART: to Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb. they can’t really be serious about giving this act one more curtain call, can they? We’ve seen it too many times.
LAUREL: to the Philadelphia Union. Welcome to the newest player on the block. The Union was front and center at this week’s MLS Draft.
DART: to the Sixers. With the Eagles out of the picture, this is what we’re left to cheer for? At least the Flyers are showing signs of life.
LAUREL: How many days until pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater?
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