Meet Delco’s new emergency services director | Inquirer Greater Media
Plus, everything you need to know ahead of Tuesday’s primary.
Hi, Greater Media! 👋
Delaware County has a new emergency services director. We caught up with him to discuss some of his goals. Also this week, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is reviewing how it uses technology amid parental pushback, a Wallingford man has been sentenced to prison for embezzlement, plus everything you need to know ahead of Tuesday’s primary.
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Delaware County recently welcomed a new emergency services director, who takes over the department at a pivotal time.
A Delco native, Gary Vinnacombe is focused on long-term sustainability as municipalities throughout the county weigh emergency services mergers and cooperative authorities in the wake of Crozer-Chester Medical Center’s closure last year.
Media, Nether Providence, Upper Providence, Rose Valley, Rutledge, and Swarthmore are currently in talks to create a joint EMS authority. Vinnacombe says he sees pros and cons for different such service models, adding that “the concept of regionalization is the key to sustainability.”
The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner caught up with Vinnacombe to discuss his outlook and plans.
💡 Community News
The primary election is Tuesday. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to the polls.
Jonathan Lim, a 42-year-old Wallingford man, was sentenced to 18 months in prison last week for stealing about $214,000 from a Downingtown bank in 2019, when he was a manager. Lim has also been ordered to pay back the funds he embezzled.
Main Line Health EMS, which is based at Riddle Hospital, has received a $275,000 grant from the Wawa Foundation, which will support the purchase of a new ambulance. Calls for its ambulance service have doubled since Crozer-Chester Medical Center’s closure.
Speaking of Main Line Health, Riddle Hospital received an “A” in the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade report, which was released last week. The organization assesses a hospital’s ability to protect patients from medical errors, accidents, injuries, and infections.
Vintage and consignment shop Pepper Lee Boutique, along with Gina the Jewelry Lady, is relocating from Glen Mills to Media this summer. Their last day at 818 Baltimore Pike will be June 14. They will reopen at 1176 N. Middletown Rd., above Country Deli, on July 2.
Heads up for drivers: There will be an overnight lane closure on Lenni Road between Lungren and New Roads in Aston and Middletown Townships through May 27, with the closures taking place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Tomorrow morning the Delaware County Transportation Management Association is hosting its Bike to Work Day event, with a kickoff at the Delaware County Courthouse lawn in Media at 8 a.m. Be on the lookout for more cyclists on area roadways.
Hitting the Chester Creek Trail anytime soon? The Knowlton Road parking lot will be closed on weekdays for the next three months as it undergoes expansion. Looking for other spots to get outdoors? We’ve rounded up 10 in the region.
Fox 29’s Mike Jerrick caught up with four of the creators behind recently released album Sounds of Delco, which features 92 short tracks capturing the spirit of Delco. The album was created by Greatest Hits Records & Books in Media. See the segment here, starting around the 13:30 mark.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is reviewing its educational technology programs as parents throughout the region continue to push back against screen use in the classroom. Officials plan to get feedback from teachers and said they are no longer allowing students to use their tablets during indoor recess, The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna reports.
In an effort to create greater efficiency, WSSD is asking families to let them know if their children won’t be using the bus next year. Voluntary responses are due by May 29.
In WSSD this week, Keystone testing continues for select students. There are several spring concerts tonight, and there are no classes Tuesday for professional development. There’s a school board finance and facilities committee meeting Tuesday evening, and Strath Haven Middle School has its choral concert Wednesday evening. See the district’s full calendar here.
Rose Tree Media School District has released its proposed final budget for 2026-27, which calls for a 3.5% increase in property taxes.
In RTMSD this week, Keystone testing continues for select students. There’s a school board work session at 6:30 p.m. tonight. Tomorrow is the final day of Springton Lake’s spring book fair. There are fourth and fifth grade band concerts Monday, and there’s no school Tuesday for an in-service day. See the district’s full calendar here.
🍽️ On our Plate
Italian restaurant Casa Mia is looking to expand its footprint by adding a 516-square-foot, one-story addition to its space at 1175 W. Baltimore Pike in Media.
🎳 Things to Do
🎷 Lisa Chavous Celebrates the Blues: Hear classic blues tunes performed live. ⏰ Friday, May 15, 7-9:30 p.m. 💵 $10 for members, $15 for non-members 📍 Community Arts Center, Wallingford
🎶 Deal: The Grateful Dead tribute will take the stage. ⏰ Saturday, May 16, 8:30 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Shere-E-Punjab, Media
🏡 On the Market
This sprawling six-bedroom Media home pretty much has it all. The first floor features formal living and dining rooms, an office, a gourmet kitchen, and a family room, while the second story has a gym and five ensuite bedrooms, including a primary with a large sitting room and a walk-in closet. The third story has another suite with its own living room, while the walk-out basement has a second kitchen, a bar, and a home theater. There’s also an elevator to each level, a five-car garage with lifts, a deck, a screened-in porch, and a patio with a fireplace that leads to a pool and spa.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $2.295M | Size: 10,910 SF | Acreage: 0.66
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