Good morning, Delaware County. This is Hey Delco, the newsletter that always sticks the landing. Can you tell we are excited about the Olympics?

In today’s edition:

• Delco Takes Paris 🥇

• The Eagles Open Practice to the Public 🦅

• Say Goodbye to Toll Booths…Soon🚗

• Early Look At This Week’s Event/Music Schedule 🎶

• The Phillies Sign Charlie Sheen (Kinda) ☠️

• And much more…

Let’s get to it.

— Clint & Jennifer Losch

THE BIG STORY

Delco Takes Paris

Look out—Delco is taking over the 2024 Olympics! It’s amazing to see so many local athletes competing in the Olympics. Here’s a breakdown of the athletes so you can follow their success over the next few weeks:

• Nick Mead, Episcopal Academy graduate, competing in 4-man rowing.

  • Competed in the Olympic Games Tokyo in 2020

  • July 28: Finished 1st in Heat 2, qualified for finals on August 1st.

• Ivan Puskovitch, Episcopal Academy graduate, competing in 10k marathon swimming.

  • 2024 World Aquatics Championship, 14th in 10k Race

  • Fifth U.S. male in history to qualify for the Olympics in open water swimming

  • Event starts on August 8th

• Shane Ryan, Haverford High School graduate, competing in swimming for Ireland.

  • 16-time All-American and 11-time All-State honoree as a swimmer for Haverford High School

  • Set school records at Penn State University in the 50 meter freestyle, 100 meter freestyle and 100 meter backstroke

  • Competing in 50m Freestyle on Aug 1,

• Jovana Sekulic, Episcopal Academy graduate, competing in water polo.

  • Lettered in swimming and track at Episcopal Academy

  • Plays on the men’s water polo team at Princeton University

  • Match schedule: July 27-August 11

• Ashley Sessa, Episcopal Academy graduate, competing in field hockey.

  • Started playing field hockey at age 4 at her local YMCA

  • Named to 6 U.S. Women's National Teams

  • Match schedule: July 27-August 6

• Allie Wilson, Strath Haven graduate, competing in women’s 800m track and field.

  • Began running in elementary school at Saint John Chrysostom in Wallingford

  • Part of the All Delco Team at Strath Haven

  • Event begins Friday, August 2

• The YSC Academy in Chester is proud to have 4 alumni on the US Men's Olympic Soccer Team!

  • Paxten Aaronson '22 - Originally played with Philadelphia Union and now plays for Eintracht Frankfurt

  • Nathan Harriel '19 - Currently plays for the Philadelphia Union

  • Jack McGlynn '21 - Currently plays for the Philadelphia Union

  • Caleb Wiley '23 - Was just transferred from Atlanta United to Chelsea Football Club (FC)

Paris, you're about to get a whole lot of Delco swagger! Stay tuned for all the action and updates from your favorite local Olympians.

*Thank you to the Delaware County Council for providing the background on all of these athletes.

THE DIGEST

Get Your Tickets for Eagles Public Practice Day

Hey Delco! Ready to see the Eagles up close? They’re opening their practice for fans on Aug. 1 at 6:30 PM at Lincoln Financial Field. Tickets are just $10 and parking is free (phew). All proceeds support the Eagles Autism Foundation!

What can you expect? Tons of autographs, along with the Eagles Autism Yard Sale, where you can snag jerseys, mini helmets, footballs, and more. Plus there’s fun activities for the whole family, including photos with SWOOP, Cheerleader and Drumline performances, free face painting, green screen photo stations, and whole lot more.

Word on the street is that the Eagles have been looking great in practice, with Jalen Hurts looking better than ever. Early reports are that he’s completed double the amount of passes so far this year compared to last year.

Hopefully a sign of great things to come this year.

So, if you want to see them up close and personal, and support a good cause, make sure you snag tickets ASAP.

*Note: As of Sunday night, tickets are still available

Bye Bye Turnpike Toll Plazas

Here’s a reason to celebrate: the Pennsylvania Turnpike is getting rid of those annoying toll plazas! Starting January 5, the eastern section of the turnpike (yes, that includes the Lehigh Valley stretch) will switch to an open road tolling system.

Translation? No more slowing down or battling traffic to pay tolls. Just cruise on through while the new toll gantries do their thing (you get bonus points if you knew what a gantry was before this article).

Let’s talk pricing. I’m sure you’re wondering if it will cost you more. The answer is maybe.

Here’s a breakdown from The Morning Call about the pricing changes:

As far as we can tell, E-ZPass users will keep enjoying lower rates, while those without E-ZPass will likely face higher tolls and additional fees.

So, if you haven’t grabbed an E-ZPass yet, now’s certainly the time!

But, it’s about time for smoother rides and quicker commutes.

State Funding Boost: Delaware County Schools Get a Piece of the Pie (Finally!)

Big news on the school front. The state budget just got a much-needed boost, and our local schools are finally seeing some of that sweet, sweet funding. Delaware County lawmakers are cheering on this first step toward closing the adequacy gap in many Delco school districts.

The adequacy gap is a fancy way of saying the difference between what our schools have and what they actually need to provide a decent education.

Listen to some of these numbers…

• William Penn School District has total adequacy gap of $28 million.

• Upper Darby has a $67 million gap

• Southeast Delco with a $23 million gap

• Interboro and Penn-Delco with a $2.4 million gap each; and

• Chester Upland with a $51 million gap.

Those are HUGE numbers. Some schools in Delaware County had no adequacy gaps. They included Chichester; Garnet Valley; Haverford Township; Marple Newtown; Springfield; Radnor Township; Ridley; Rose Tree Media; and Wallingford-Swarthmore.

The good news is, this funding is designed to finally close that gap.

But don't pop the champagne just yet. The budget still needs a solid timeline, and there’s grumbling about how long it will take to see real change.

If you’re not in a school district with a funding gap, congrats! If you are, buckle up – it's going to be a bumpy ride to educational equity.

Get the full breakdown ($) of the adequacy gaps and funding necessary for all the school districts in Delco.

_{Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.}

LOCAL BUSINESS

Vendors Wanted for ‘Delco Has Your Six’ Event

Business owners, spots are going fast for the “Delco Has Your Six” Community Event on May 17, 2025.

Details will be added as they become available!

If you are a vendor and are interested in a space at the event, please message Janice Liberato your email address and to be added to the list. Applications will be sent later in the year.

National IPA Day: Thursday, August 1st

Raise a glass this Thursday for National IPA Day and show some love to our local breweries in Delaware County! It's the perfect time to support our talented brewers by enjoying their unique and flavorful India Pale Ales. Stay tuned for Wednesday's email, where we'll share special events and deals from local Delco bars and breweries.

_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.}

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

_{Note: This may not be every event happening this week. If we missed something. Yell at us in an email. Just hit reply and let us know about upcoming events that you want to see featured.}

Monday, July 29

(9:00 AM) Morris Animal Refuge Custom Paw-Trait Fundraiser | Villanova
(6:00 PM) Goshen Country Fair | West Chester

Tuesday, July 30

(11:30 AM - 9:00 PM) Hayden’s House of Healing Fundraiser @ Not Your Average Joes: Not Your Average Joe's will donate 15% of the total purchase Make sure to tell your server! | Glen Mills
(1:00 PM) Movie Matinee at Folcroft Library | Folcroft
(6:00 PM) Goshen Country Fair | West Chester
(6:00 PM) Family and Youth Splash Party at Folcroft Swim Club | Folcroft » Tickets
(6:30 PM) Quizzo Night at Artillery Brewing | Drexel Hill
(6:30 PM) Nature Bingo Hike with Hiking Hound Adventures | Media
(6:30 PM) Bonsai Therapy at 2SP Brewing | Aston » Tickets
(7:30 PM) Trivia at Marple Public House | Broomall
(8:00 PM) The Most Delco Quizzo @ Dolan’s | Ridley Park
(8:00 PM) Quizzo at Barnaby’s | Aston

Wednesday, July 31

(2:30 PM) Oakmont Famers Market | Havertown
(3:30 PM) Where’s Waldo Closing Party at Main Point Books | Wayne
(4:00 PM) Senior Community Services Art Show at DCCC | Media
(5:00 PM) Dining Under the Stars | Media
(6:00 PM) Goshen Country Fair | West Chester
(6:00 PM) Sweat the Square at Glen Eagle Square | Glen Mills
(7:00 PM) Quizzo Night at Ship Bottom Brewery | Swarthmore
(7:00 PM) Trivia at 2SP Brewing | Aston
(7:00 PM) Bingo at JT Brewski’s Pub | Primos
(7:30 PM) Serenitea Yoga and Sound Bath | Glenolden » Tickets
(8:30 PM) Quizzo at Ship Bottom Brewery  | Swarthmore

Thursday, August 1

(10:00 AM) Brandywine Museum of Art Adventure | Glenolden » Tickets
(4:00 PM) Tired Hands Summer Beer Park | Newtown Square
(6:00 PM) Goshen Country Fair | West Chester
(6:30 PM) Magic by Ed at Radnor Library | Wayne
(7:00 PM) DJ Kurtz Dance Party @ Streetlight Kitchen & Bar | Drexel Hill

Friday, August 2

(4:00 PM) Tired Hands Summer Beer Park | Newtown Square
(6:00 PM) The Wedding Singer at Sun Valley High School | Aston » Tickets
(6:00 PM) The Most Delco Quizzo @ Dolan’s | Ridley Park
(6:00 PM) Goshen Country Fair | West Chester
(6:30 PM) DIY wood workshop | Glen Mills » Tickets
(7:00 PM) Ship Bottom Brewery at Linvilla Orchards | Media
(7:30 PM) Newsies at Upper Darby Summer Stage | Upper Darby

LIVE MUSIC

We have lots of live music on the calendar this week. Keep your eye on our Wednesday edition of “Hey Delco” for a full calendar of the live music happening through the weekend.

Monday, July 29

(8:00 PM) Karaoke at Rams Pizza Tavern | Clifton Heights

Tuesday, July 30

(6:00 PM) Brian Kors @ Laporta Restaurant | Media
(7:30 PM) Double Shot Classic Rock Horn Band at Marcus Hook Market Square | Marcus Hook
(7:30 PM) Tiki Karaoke at Romarco’s | Clifton Heights
(9:00 PM) Karaoke at The Red Lantern | Glenolden

Wednesday, July 31

(7:00 PM) Karaoke Night at Liberty Tavern | Woodlyn
(7:00 PM) Karaoke at Marple Public House | Broomall
(7:30 PM) Rose Tree Park Summer Concert - Angry Young Band | Media
(9:00 PM) Karaoke at Media’s Town House | Media
(6:00 PM) Karaoke at Barnaby’s | Aston
(7:00 PM) Super Bonanza + Sacred Monsters at 118 North | Wayne » Tickets
(7:30 PM) Open Mic at Tom N Jerry’s | Folsom

Thursday, August 1

(6:00 PM) Karaoke at Duffers Tavern | Glen Mills
(6:00 PM) Acoustic on the Deck at Barnaby’s | Aston
(7:00 PM) Long Hard Ride Band at Aston Community Center | Aston
(7:30 PM) Rose Tree Park Summer Concert - Merion Concert Band | Media
(8:00 PM) Honey Island Swamp Band at 118 North | Wayne » Tickets

Friday, August 2

(2:00 PM) Ashley Sweetman at Pennswood Winery | Chadds Ford
(4:00 PM) Joe Kenney at 118 North | Wayne » Tickets
(6:00 PM) Acoustic on the Deck at Barnaby’s | West Chester
(6:00 PM) Mark Colvin at JT Brewksi’s Pub | Primos
(7:00 PM) Karaoke at Not Just a Crab | Springfield
(7:30 PM) Rose Tree Park Summer Concert - Reggae Thunder | Media
(8:00 PM) The Organization at Jamey’s House of Music | Lansdown » Tickets
(9:00 PM) I Yahn I Arkestra + The Tabernacle Reggae Band at 118 North | Wayne » Tickets

SPORTS

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies (65-40)

⚠️ Trade Alert ⚠️

In a move that's got us all doing a double-take, the Phillies have just signed Carlos Estevez from the Anaheim Angels. And no, it’s not Charlie Sheen’s next big role—although the name might make you think otherwise! Charlie Sheen, famously known for his wild pitching character "Wild Thing" Ricky Vaughn in Major League, actually shares the same real name, Carlos Estevez.

As a note, there were mixed reviews on this trade, as we sent Anaheim some decent prospects. But there’s no doubt that the Phillies need some bullpen help right now as they have struggled of late, boasting a .500 record over the past 6 weeks.

We’re all hoping we got the Rick Vaughn post-glasses addition, and not the pre-glasses version, where the balls were “juuuust a bit outside.”

The Phillies also signed Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles. Opinions are high on this trade, as he will be the new everyday left fielder, with Marsh and Rojas platooning in center field. Austin Hays mashes lefties, which is a big need for the Phils.

Previous Series:

7/28: Guardians 4 Phillies 3

7/27: Guardians 0 Phillies 8

7/26: Guardians 3 Phillies 1

Upcoming Series: Yankees (7/29-7/31)

Olympic Medal Count

Local Sports Highlights

Congratulations to Garnet Valley alum Dom Picone, who has signed a contract to play independent professional baseball for the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars of the Atlantic League

Credit to @delcobaseball for sharing this story

WEATHER

Monday

87🌡️ 71| 🌦️ | 43% | 💨 S 7mph

Tuesday

82 🌡️ 72 | 🌦️ | 53% | 💨 S 10 mph

Wednesday

88🌡️ 71 | 🌦️ | 38% | 💨 WSW 7 mph

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Hey Delco today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who played Delco sports.