Delco borrows from Mamdani’s social media playbook | Inquirer Greater Media
Plus, a Swarthmore resident is launching a children’s book about mountaineering.
Hi, Greater Media! 👋
A Delaware County government team is borrowing from Zohran Mamdani’s social media playbook in the hopes of better reaching residents where they are — and going viral. Also this week, a Swarthmore resident is celebrating the release of his children’s book, a monthslong construction project is getting underway on Providence Road, plus, where to get the “it” drink of spring nearby.
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Can municipal government be cool? Delaware County’s communications team is betting it can be and has been making strides to reach more people where they are, namely through social media.
The result? Funny and sometimes pointed TikTok videos about everything from testing for sexually transmitted infections to the best park to scroll on your phone to local temperature advisories.
The initiative — inspired in part by now-New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s campaign strategy last year — is led by a team of millennials and Gen Zers hoping their content not only goes viral, but also makes residents “smarter about local government,” The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner reports.
Get to know the team behind the initiative.
💡 Community News
A Swarthmore resident and Strath Haven High School alum is releasing a children’s book this week inspired by one of his mountaineering expeditions. Samuel Sidiqi wrote My Daddy is Climbing Denali about how he prepared to climb the famed Alaska mountain, but from the perspective of a young girl, incorporating how he helped his own daughter understand his forthcoming journey and the power of perseverance. There’s a launch event for the self-published, 36-page illustrated book tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at the Swarthmore Public Library.
The Delaware County Department of Emergency Services named a new director last week. Gary Vinnacombe brings more than two decades of public safety experience to the role, including previously serving as deputy chief of emergency medical services at a Chester County fire company.
Heads up for drivers: Providence Road will be closed between Cherry Street and its intersection with Third Street and Meetinghouse Lane on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until June 2 for Peco to do utility work.
6abc recently profiled Pat Kahmer, a Media resident who for the past six months has been hand making and dropping off knitted blankets and hats to patients at Alliance Cancer Specialists at Riddle Hospital. She was inspired to give back after her husband, who has since passed away, received treatment there. See the segment here.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is hosting two community conversations Tuesday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Strath Haven Middle School to discuss the use of technology in the classroom.
Also in WSSD, PSSA testing continues for select students. There’s a modern band and jazz night Wednesday. See WSSD’s full calendar here.
In the Rose Tree Media School District, PSSA testing continues for select students. There’s a school board meeting tonight at Penncrest High School. Tomorrow begins Springton Lake Middle School’s two-day jazz festival, and it’s also the junior prom. Penncrest High is hosting a spring orchestra concert Tuesday evening. See RTMSD’s full calendar here.
🍽️ On our Plate
Looking to try the “it” drink of spring? The Ridley House in nearby Holmes was one of the first local spots to start serving its take on the viral soft serve margarita. The $15 cocktail puts a sorbet-like twist on a traditional margarita and requires a spoon to eat.
🎳 Things to Do
🏈 Brandon Graham Book Signing: The Eagles defensive end will sign copies of his children’s book at this event benefiting Delco Gives. ⏰ Thursday, April 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 💵 $65 for four people, including a copy of the book 📍 CASA Youth Advocates’ Media office
🌃 Merchant Night Market: Swarthmore shops will be open late. There will also be craft vendors and food. ⏰ Friday, April 24, 5-8 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Swarthmore town center
🥕 Healthy Kids Day: Families can play games, browse local vendors, and bounce around on inflatables. ⏰ Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.-noon 💵 Free 📍 Rocky Run YMCA, Media
🍝 Food Truck Frenzy: There will be face painting, hayrides, ponies, and plenty of food trucks dishing up everything from ravioli to crepes. ⏰ Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Linvilla Orchards, Media
🏡 House Party: The Community Arts Center’s annual spring fundraiser will celebrate the building’s architecture, which dates back to 1892. ⏰ Saturday, April 25, 7-10:30 p.m. 💵 $80-$150 📍 Community Arts Center, Wallingford
🏡 On the Market
Built in 1840, this Nether Providence Township home blends historic architecture with modern living, and has room for additional living space. The main level, which has original hardwood floors throughout, features living and family rooms with fireplaces, a dining room, and a kitchen with stainless steel appliances. There are five bedrooms upstairs, one of which could be converted into a bathroom for the primary suite. There’s also potential additional living space on the unfinished third level. Other features include a patio, a covered porch, a fenced yard, and a detached barn with wiring.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $825,000 | Size: 2,564 SF | Acreage: 0.62
📈 Greater Media market report
Median listing price: $731,500 (up $12,000 from February) 📈
Median sold price: $634,800 (down $15,200 from February) 📉
Median days on the market: 31 (down six days from February) 📉
Median listing price: $419,500 (down $40,000 from February) 📉
Median sold price: $255,000 (down $80,000 from February) 📉
Median days on the market: 47 (down one day from February) 📉
Median listing price: $350,000 (down $92,000 from February) 📉
Median sold price: $512,500 (down $50,000 from February) 📉
Median days on the market: 25 (up one day from February) 📈
This Greater Media market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for March from realtor.com.
🗞️ What other Greater Media residents are reading this week:
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