Good-Bye and Thank You.

There are people native to our county who through their advocacy for others and their commitment to others, leave a lasting impression upon us long after they are gone. These people change the lives of others by advocating for people in their time of desperation and need. We have many silent giants in our little piece of the world. This blog is dedicated to a woman who has taught me how to give of myself even in the face of personal tragic circumstances.

There is a club in Delaware County that none of us ever want to become a member of - ever. The people who belong to this organization are good, loving people. Tragic, horrible and violent circumstances (in most cases) force these good people to become members. The club isn't elite. Sadly, anyone can be granted membership at anytime. I for one hope that I or any one of you are never made a member.

Many years ago, I met the founder of this Delaware County organization, a woman and mother like me. This woman was asking me for a donation as she has asked many people in our county since heading up the Delaware County Chapter of this organization. She stood proudly and determined as she asked for a donation for her fundraiser event and announced that she would take "anything I had to offer" her. During our first meeting, I found out that I had went to high school (Sun Valley) with her daughter Hope and that Hope had been murdered by a man who wanted to be Hope's boyfriend. Barbara told me the story about how another man had tried to save Hope and had been shot and killed the same night. His parents are now members of the same club Barbara and many other Parents are. Barbara DiMario is the founder of the Delaware County Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children or POMC. Barbara never knew that I had attended her daughters' funeral until the day we met. I never knew Hope's parents.

I immediately asked how Joey, Hope's son was and Barbara's eyes lit up as she replied "great". Barbara and her husband Paul were raising Joey. Barbara bragged about Joey as any grandparent would. This spring, Joey will graduate from college. Over the past 10 years, my family and I have had the honor to assist Barbara and Parents of Murdered Children with "anything we had to offer".

I have always wondered how anyone especially any mother, could find the strength to get out of bed each day with such heartache and loss let alone advocate for other parents and victims who have had their son or daughter taken from them. Barbara and Paul DiMario as well as other parents who have had their children taken from them have experienced such a personal pain that only those who have experienced it could ever understand it.

Several years ago, Barbara envisioned a memorial garden, a place of peace and healing that the families of POMC could make their own and heal. That garden through Barbara's tenacity and the help of others in the county became a reality and is now located on Furey Road in Upper Chichester Township. If you have never been there, I can assure you that angels are present and are there to listen and guide you through whatever pain or answer you seek. Anyone can visit the garden and that is exactly what Barbara and the families of POMC want you to do.

Now that Joey is raised, Barbara and Paul plan to retire to Michigan to be with one of their other children and grandchildren. In order to move into retirement, Barbara has had to give up her Directorship; which is like giving up another child.

Barbara and POMC will always be special to me not only because of Barbara, Paul and Joey but because of the many other friends that I have had whose picture appear on Barbara's victims quilt like Todd Manga and Jim Webb. I will always have the deepest respect for Barbara DiMario although I never want to be her. She will serve as a vision of strength and empathy when I need to dig deep and be a stronger person. I wish the DiMario's well in their retirement and I promise to offer the new director of POMC "anything I have to offer". On Barbara's behalf, I invite to eat lunch or walk the garden on a sunny afternoon.

So, here is some of what I know and some of what I've learned. I know that I have seen courage in action. I know that I have entirely too many friends on the victims quilt and, I have learned that healing can be achieved by helping others and by leaving a legacy such as the POMC Memorial Garden that will help heal and educate others in our county.

Until my next post, Peace be with you Barbara. I will Miss you.

Go Native.

Diane Holefelder

Tis the Season To Be Charitable

There is no doubt that Delaware County, Pennsylvania is one of the most charitable regions in our nation.

Everywhere you look, there are outlets for those who chose to be charitable to donate their time or money. This year, there are more people in need then in past years. Our economy has forced those who have never had to ask for assistance to ask and hopefully receive food, coats, money or shelter.

This year I have told my children that due to the economy, there won’t be as much under the Christmas tree. As a parent, that statement is difficult. I can’t imagine having to tell my children that there will be nothing under the Christmas tree and not to bother waking up early for Christmas morning breakfast because we don’t have any food in our refrigerator.

Over Thanksgiving I gave thanks for the health of my family and friends as well as the time I was spending with my family but I also gave thanks for being able to put something under the tree for my children, being able to make Christmas morning breakfast and for being able to help another family.

My staff and I decided this year to not exchange gifts and to take the money we would have spent on gifts for each other and donate it to help a family who needs the money to supply food and a little something under the tree for their children.

My staff and I are happy that although the economy has taken its’ toll on our annual bottom line, we were still in business and able to work with each other every day. Hey, we have our daily work issues just like any other business and interpersonal dynamics, but we know we are lucky to have our jobs and to be able to celebrate the holiday with our family.

As a company, we purchased coats for kids through Operation Warm www.operationwarm.org, we will also be presenting a few other checks to organizations we feel are helping individuals directly and specifically in our home town of Aston and our second home in Chester.

If you want to help another family but can’t afford to write a check at this time, go through your kitchen cabinets and donate some food. I have seen firsthand that there are families with children who may very well be your neighbors not have food in the cabinet for the holiday season or any other day due to one or more parent losing their job or becoming ill. I believe that their children deserve something, anything under the tree and a warm meal in their bellies. Please take the time to look around your neighborhood and think about whom from your neighborhood may need assistance.

If you want to donate food or other items for those who are in need, which are more needed in this area then in any other time in my memory and in the history of some of the food banks we have in Delaware County, contact the Community Action Agency of Delaware County www.caadc.org. When you visit the CAADC web site, you don’t even have to leave your home to donate or volunteer since the web site takes donations and enlists volunteers on the home page.

So, here is what I know and some of what I learned. I know that my family and I are very fortunate to be in a position to help others and celebrate the holiday together. There are many organizations that need not only donations but volunteers to deliver what has been donated. City Team Ministries had such an overwhelming request for food that families had to choose either Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. I can’t imagine having to choose. If your children are like my children,they want Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.

I learned that the holiday season is when the most donations are made but the need to feed and provide assistance to these families does not end with the holiday season. After the holiday, the cupboards are bare.

If you would like to assist City Team Ministries fill their food cupboard, visit www.cityteam.org. This past year has made me more aware of my blessings than any other year I can remember and there are true angels who walk among us every day who deliver gifts and take their own time to make others more comfortable in their time of need.

Until my next post, Go Native.
Diane Holefelder

A True Salute To Our Veterans

On the day before Veterans Day, many people will be heading home from work excited about having tomorrow off for the holiday. Some Veterans will be heading home from a tour of duty overseas and looking forward to seeing their loved ones. In both cases and if they are lucky enough, these folks are all headed home and look forward to being home for the remainder of the holiday season.

Someone might ask what about Veterans who do not have a home due to the economy, illness or some other factor that has caused them to lose those family ties and a place to call home?
Well, some friends of mine asked themselves that very question about two years ago and began a journey to seek the answer. During their journey, they found that there are 107,000 homeless veterans in the United States.

Can you imagine that some of these men and women who have served their country proudly have no home on Veterans Day, Thanksgiving or any other day? My friends also found out that because some of our veterans do not receive the health care they need after returning home that 18 veterans commit suicide daily. Yes, I said daily.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 45% of our veterans suffer from some type of mental illness and 33% of the homeless population in the United States; are Veterans.
My friends were amazed and appalled at these statistics as I am sure many of you are too.

Today, I took part in the celebration for the grand opening of Buchman Meadows in Chester, Pennsylvania. Buchman Meadows is located at 1000 Meadow Lane, Chester, Pa and is a place that some of our displaced Veterans can and will in the very near future call home. Buchman Meadows is the answer to the question of veteran housing and to the sad reality of homeless United States Military Veterans who won’t be saluted and thanked for their service tomorrow.

Buchman Meadows is a beautiful 42 unit apartment building that is for any Veteran in need of housing and benefit assistance. On site at Buchman Meadows will be a representative from Social Services to assist the Veterans and their families in obtaining the earned benefits of a United States Military Veteran who has been honorably discharged from service. The friends that created this answer for our homeless Vets had reason to celebrate as the first couple moved into the building today and there were many local dignitaries there to welcome those new residents home. Any Veteran, including those who meet the income requirements to receive assistance, will now have a place to call home on Veterans Day and every other day of the year.

Buchman Meadows is the first residence of it’s' kind and mission in this region. Jack Whelan, Chairman of Delaware County Council said today that the building is reminiscent of historic Williamsburg, Virginia. I and many others took a tour of the refurbished building today and we were amazed at the beauty and opportunity that Buchman Meadows will offer residents.

So, here is what I know and some of what I learned. The history of this building has come full circle with its' future. The building was used to house ship workers initially and then WWI veterans and served as a VA hospital for a period of time. The history is rich and the future is bright for Buchman Meadows and the Veterans who will live there. As Dr. Carolyn Collins said today “This is the land of the free because of the brave”.

I couldn’t agree more with that statement. With a little help from my friends, Buchman Meadows is a true salute to our Veterans and we thank all of our Veterans for their service to our country. If you would like more information about Buchman Meadows or for an application, call (484) 841-6646. Maybe you too, can be a friend to a displaced Veteran and become a partner in provding them the opportunity to have a home.

Until my next post, Go Native.

Diane Holefelder

Another Great Day in the City

Today I was lucky enough to take part in another great day in the City of Chester. Yes, I said another great day. For the children of Chester, this day will prove to be great; in time.

Last month, I was there for the opening and dedication of the First Tee of Suburban Philadelphia’s Eyre Park Learning Center (located in the parking lot adjacent from Chester High School) wherein the youth of the city will learn life skills through the game of golf. www.thefirsttee.org  There are four public elementary schools in the Chester Upland School District and the Phys. Ed. Programs will be incorporating golf and the First Tee Program into the curriculum.

Today, on a beautiful and sunny day I was there to see the dream of Mr. Carter, Mayor Wendell Butler, both native to Chester and a whole slew of other hard working and caring peoples’ dream come true with the opening of the new Boys’ and Girls’ club on East 7^th Street. As Mayor Butler said, “he was as proud as a peacock” (As he should be) and so were the many other folks that supported this project for so many years. A special shout-out to the Chester Water Authority and their unwavering and continued support of the Chester Boys’ and Girls’ club is warranted as well.

The building is beautiful and has a great gym (Basketball) floor. The learning center and the shelves full of books and learning materials for the academic programs were just as beautiful. I saw a pool table, a weight lifting area, sofas and chairs that the boys and girls of Chester will be able to use while staying safe and learning life skills that will surely improve their future. Improving the future of Chester City’s children is the motivation for Mayor Butlers’ getting out of bed each day. He feels like a proud father today and knows that many more of “his” children will be affected in a positive manner when they walk through the doors of the George C. Carter Recreation Center.

I often hear people say well, what can I do about the problems of the city (which are no different from any other city) and if I could help, I would but… Well, if you really want to help; I can tell you at least one way that you can help and be assured that at least one child will be affected by your generosity. The membership fee to join the Boys’ and Girls’ club is $30.00 a year.

 I equate helping youth in any area to voting. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain about the leadership. If you don’t get involved in some way to improve the life of children, or solve a problem, you can’t complain about that either. So, if you want to get involved; sponsor a child’s membership for one year. That is what I plan to do. It will cost you $30.00 and you will know in your heart that you were part of the solution for the future of Chester’s youth. www.chesterboysandgirlsclub.com If the economy has you unable to sponsor a membership, get in touch with Larry Yarbray, Executive Director and ask how you might be able to participate in the various mentoring and academic programs offered at the Chester Boys’ and Girls’ club. Larry is looking for a few good mentors, teachers and community leaders to get involved.

Through no small effort, Chester City can now offer soccer, golf, basketball and more opportunities for their kids to learn different skills than their parents were offered, and that is what the revitalization is all about. 

So, here is what I know and some of what I learned. The new facility for the Boys’ and Girls’ club in the City of Chester is beautiful. Children will have their lives changed because they belonged to the Boys’ and Girls’ club. Just ask Mr. Denzel Washington, Michael Jordan, and Jennifer Lopez, they all belonged to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club when they were children. I learned that 80% of the children in Chester are raised in single parent households and when there are strong programs and mentors to support those parents, the children thrive. When it comes to helping children succeed, any effort put forth is never a waste.

Until my next post, Go Native.

Diane Holefelder

Getting started

Ok, so I’ve jumped on the band wagon by somewhat embracing technology and writing a blog about what I know and what I learn about my native region; Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

What do you call ten newspaper professionals in one room? No, it’s not the unemployment line although that has been a sad reality with the inevitable decline of the support for print media. Today, it was the monthly meeting of The Press Club serving the Philadelphia region formerly known as the Delaware County Press Club.

The excitement in the room today was exhilarating for those who report the news, provide the news and support the news through advertising as well as for those who seek to learn more about how to reach people and improve business. The Press Club met for lunch at the Edgmont Country Club in Newtown Square and this was the meeting that would kick off their 2010-2011 season. There was a panel of 17 seasoned professionals who were eager to share their experiences, especially as of late; in the news and advertising industry. Social media was said to be the necessary evil for success today.

The lunch was marvelous especially for someone who often eats lunch in their car while heading from one meeting to another, and the crowd was large which was nice to see.  The buzz in the room and the size of the crowd made me take note of the human knowledge and the social experience that was taking place in the room. Sadly, in the “information age” the human experience that provides the social and cultural knowledge that it takes to succeed in business has gone almost by the way side and replaced by virtual social experiences such as LinkedIn and Face Book. I do struggle with the social media experience.

I was hoping that the panel discussion would not focus on the decline of print media as many of us look forward to feeling and reading the newspaper each day. I was not disappointed. The panelists were upbeat and looking forward to the new avenues that will allow them to reach readers and improve readership. Our own Delaware County native Phil Heron, Editor, Delaware County Daily Times as well as other news print professionals spoke of how email was king (which is almost funny for journalists who pride themselves on writing) and how copy and paste is crucial in today’s world of print media and reporting. Although exhausted from finding new ways and the time to report on minute to minute news and fighting for the right for life, Phil Heron stated, his existence proves that dinosaurs are not extinct and are evolving and adapting to coexist in today’s society.

So, here is what I know and some of what I learned. The organization formerly known as The Delaware County Press Club www.ThePressClubPA.org is alive and well and will meet in November for an escorted “behind the scenes” tour of PPL Park, the new soccer stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania. I can’t wait. The Edgmont Country Club serves a great lunch in a beautiful room with a view of the golf course. Face to Face interaction for business development and relationship building cannot be substituted, sorry Face Book fans. and if you want to feel the paper in your hands and read about what is happening in your native area, support your local newspaper. Oh and one more thing, the Press Club isn’t just for those who report on the news anymore!

Until my next post, GO NATIVE.

Diane Holefelder