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A public hearing is convened at the Twentieth Century Club on Jan. 6 to review the joint comprehensive plan to guide redevelopment in East Lansdowne and Lansdowne boroughs for the next 10 years.
Schools in action
Students and parents spend the Martin Luther King holiday painting the cafeteria and halls at Ardmore Avenue Elementary School on Jan. 19.
New William Penn School District Superintendent Dana Bedden outlines a restructuring of the special education, technology and safety departments and new hires to put the plans into place at a Jan. 24 board meeting.
Students at St. George School in Glenolden and BVM in Darby celebrate Catholic Schools Week from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5.
Moms take charge
Mothers in Charge, a group formed to be pro-active against violence, convene an emotional town hall meeting at Penn Wood West Junior High School in Darby on Feb. 8.
Councilman threatened
A Colwyn man is arrested and taken out of a council meeting in handcuffs after he allegedly threatens the council president during a Feb. 17 meeting.
Lansdowne Borough Council drafts a resolution protesting President George W. Bush's proposal to slash spending on the CDBG program in the 2006 budget on March 2.
Aldan Borough Council invokes the right of eminent domain to condemn a property at the corner of North Clifton Avenue in order to create a gateway park at the town entrance on Springfield Road on March 9.
Peace protestors gather at Lansdowne Avenue and Baltimore Avenue in Lansdowne on March 19 to protest the war in Iraq.
A 39-year-old Wallingford man is the first person in the nation to sign up for the National Guard under the raised age limit on March 21.
William Penn School Directors propose a new policy to govern how teachers, students and staff use the Internet on April 18.
A documentary film, "There is a town...Lansdowne" featuring film footage from as early as the 1920s and photos from the 1880s premieres at Penn Wood High School on April 30.
Collingdale Borough Council hires a compliance officer to take a strong stand on quality of life issues at the May 2 meeting.
Thirteen flood-damaged homes in Darby Borough fail to meet the federal government test to qualify for acquisition and demolition, according to a report made at the May 4 council meeting.
Flags are laid on graves at Collingdale's Mt. Zion Cemetery and a Boy Scout plays taps at Aldan Memorial Post 1000 to mark Memorial Day.
Parents alarmed by a Pennsylvania State police website listing 12 registered sexual offenders living in Darby Borough ask council at the June 1 meeting to enact a law banning registered offenders from living near schools, day care centers and playgrounds.
Glorious weather combines with enthusiastic participants for a rousing June 11 parade and salute to Old Glory in Yeadon Borough, the home of Flag Day.
Colwyn Borough Council candidate Deborah Thomas is charged with assaulting a police officer during June 20 traffic stop. Thomas loses the election on Nov. 8.
Glenolden Acme Supermarket donates $6,000 worth of sports equipment to schools and youth clubs to celebrate a grand reopening of the store in June.
William Penn School Directors approve a budget calling for a 4.95 percent tax increase at a July 11 meeting.
The Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office confirms on Aug. 17 that a Lansdowne woman's death was a homicide. Police say the 55-year-old woman died from multiple injuries suffered during a July 28 attack inside her Midway Avenue home. No one has been arrested in connection with the incident.
In time for the start of school Interboro School Board cuts bus service for about 240 Glenolden high school students.
The third annual Lansdowne Arts Festival features exhibitions, entertainment and events for young and old alike on Sept. 17 and 18.
Darby Borough Council okays a contract on Sept. 14 to sell off the borough's delinquent taxes to a private collection firm.
Lansdowne's new poet laureate Daniel Simpson is introduced at the Sept. 21 borough council meeting.
The Sisters of the Divine Redeemer announce Villa St. Teresa, a geriatric center in Darby, will close on Oct. 24 after 30 years.
Lansdowne Borough Councilman Kevin Lee (D), who is Delaware County's only openly gay official, easily wins his first council race on Nov. 8. Lee previously had been appointed to fill a council vacancy.
Collingdale Borough Council reports on Nov. 14 the proposed 2006 budget will cost homeowners an average of 25 cents per day per household mainly because of higher energy costs.
IN HAVERFORD
Eyeing former hospital
More than 100 residents showed up Feb. 5 for the "Walk in the Woods at Haverford State" to view future potential recreation areas at the former hospital site.
"This development is like a three-legged stool," said Tim Denny, director of Haverford Township Parks and Recreation Denny. "One leg is to preserve open space, the other is to have a tax base, and the third is to provide recreation. In the scheme of things, one leg got a little shorter than the others."
That "leg" is the 15 steeply-sloping acres designated for active outdoor and indoor recreation, and a proposed 40,000-square-foot indoor recreation center.
Option unveiled
Haverford Hills Associates (comprised of Pohlig Builders and The Goldenberg Group) presented at public meetings three proposals for development of the former Haverford State Hospital Site.
The "Agreement Plan" proposes 298 dwelling units and 15 acres of recreational space at a purchase price of $30,650,000.
The "Community Plan" proposes 334 dwelling units (all age restricted) and a 25-acre recreational parcel at a purchase price of $23,264,000.
The "Original Concept Plan," drawn up in July 2003 and modified in 2004, includes all the recreational programs in the Community Plan" with 292 mixed dwelling units. The purchase price is $17,712,500 but may rise due to unforeseen environmental costs.
Developer unveils new plans
The fourth time could be the charm for the Haverford State Hospital Site.
The "Modified June 2005 Plan" released to the public by Todd Pohlig June 14, is a mixture of both the "Original Concept Plan" and the "Agreement Plan."
This "tweaking" brings the total number of units to 350 which, according to Pohlig, means a "big economic increase" of $500,000 to $600,000 in tax revenue per year.
Original hospital plans get OK
Residents cheered as the Haverford Township Board of Commissioners voted 7-0, with two abstaining, to approve the "Original Plan" to develop the 209-acre Haverford State Hospital site that has been closed since 1998.
"The dream can now become a reality," said Board President Steve D'Emilio (R-1) at the Nov. 15 meeting.
The plan will provide 292 age-restricted residential units and cost $17 million. There will be 192 condominiums, 100 carriage houses and almost 165 acres of recreation space. The expected real-estate profit from this plan is almost $4 million. The developers also will donate $500,000 for an interpretive nature center and open space trails.
"This is about the future of Haverford Township," said Commissioner Jim McGarrity (R-7). "If we don't develop this land for our own children, I consider us all failures."
Llanerch Country Club's Board of Directors terminated discussions with developers and has "no interest" in pursuing a cash sale or land swap of its 139-acre site.
Club President Scott Fleming confirmed in late November that the organization had been approached by developers.
The Club plans to refocus on "the future of Llanerch at its historical location," according to the statement.
Commissioners honor Tim Denny
There was a standing ovation from Haverford Township Board of Commissioners and township residents when Parks and Recreation Director Tim Denny received a plaque from the board for 25 years of outstanding service to the Haverford community.
As Director of Parks and Recreation, Denny works with the parks committee to preserve open space, approve playing fields utilized for sports, and purchases playground equipment.
Consultant: Twp. is 'very well run'
Amidst gasps of disapproval from Haverford township residents, E-Consult's Steven Mullin said that reports about Haverford Township Commissioners irresponsible spending "couldn't be more inaccurate."
Mullin, a financial consultant, presented a report to commissioners and about 25 residents regarding the financial state of Haverford Township, particularly in regards to the sale of the Haverford State property.
"It remains clear to me that Haverford is a very well-run municipal government," said Mullin.
Court upholds redistricting plan
The controversial Moran/Twardy plan for redistricting Haverford Township was upheld by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Four commissioners and 1,477 qualified electors and residents of the township, led by Patricia Sons Biswanger, appealed the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County's decision to uphold the plan.
On April 29, the Commonwealth released its official ruling, which stated that five out of seven judges voted in favor of denying Biswanger's appeal, thus accepting the 9.52 percent deviation in the Moran/Twardy redistricting plan.
Residents speak out over budget
For three hours, nearly 40 residents, parents and students spoke out against cuts in the proposed $70 million preliminary school district budget.
Administration had listed such cost containment suggestions as cutting eight library aides, reducing materials and supplies, and eliminating the foreign language program in the elementary schools.
"Over 71 percent of the budget is tied up in salaries and benefits," said Superintendent of Schools David Van Winkle who presented a detailed report of the proposed budget. With the addition of mandated requirements, he stated it raises the projected budget 8.57 percent to $70,029,463.
Denny finally gets name cleared by commissioners
After more than 16 months, Recreation Department Director Tim Denny finally got closure about his suspension in 2003.
"A bad dream is over," said Denny.
In a 2003, then Commissioner Carolyn Parker (R-5), said she thought money was being mismanaged in the Recreation Department. Commissioners George Twardy Jr. (R-6), Fred C. Moran (R-4), Joseph Kelly (R-2) and Parker called for an audit of the department. Commissioner James E. McGarrity (R-7) maintained Denny's and the department's innocence.
The report showed that no money was missing from the Recreation Department, according to Denny and Lewis.
Community activist Rice dies of cancer
Local League of Women Voters (LWV) President and former Haverford Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) President Judith Rice died May 12.
"She was very vital," said Helen Berger of her friend of about 18-years. "She was especially interested in good government and seeing that things were done right."
Also a member of Haverford Township Civic Council, Rice taught math at Haverford High School for 25 years.
Kelly, Pogue unseated in primary
Both Commissioner Joseph Kelly (R-2) and incumbent auditor Ron Pogue were unseated from their posts in the May 18 Primary.
In the race for 2nd Ward commissioner, Kelly, who is president of the Haverford Township Board of Commissioners, went up against Mario Oliva who earned 486 votes to Kelly's 236.
In the race for Haverford Township auditor, incumbent Republican Ron Pogue was challenged by Republican Carl O'Fria who earned 2,492 votes and Pogue garnered 1,811 votes.
Haverford School Bd. votes no on Act 72
The Haverford Township School Board unanimously voted to opt out of Act 72, the Property Tax Relief Act, at their special meeting May 26.
"It is a bad idea and bad law," said School Board Finance Committee Chair Philip Hopkins.
Act 72 of 2004 is designed to shift the tax burden from property taxes to income taxes. Funding would be supplemented by income from slot machines, which revenues are projected to be $1 billion a year.
Officials, residents debate redistricting - minus Moran, Twardy
Haverford Township citizens stormed the Commissioners' Meeting Room June 6 to voice their opinions about a controversial plan to redistrict the township.
Of the nine commissioners, the four who'd supported the redistricting plan -- George Twardy (R-6), Fred Moran (R-4), Joe Kelly (R-2) and Carol McDonald (R-9) -- were missing.
The controversy of the reapportionment plan stems from a large number of citizens being "re-assigned" to other wards in order to make them more even. After the 2000 census, the population shows that there should be about 5,389 votes per ward. Approximately 850 voters needed to be moved in order for the wards to be more balanced, and it really only applied to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 9th Wards.
Crossing guard risks life for girl; suffers injuries
Standing in the middle of Brookline Boulevard, crossing guard Debbie Johnston just knew the car heading right for her was not going to stop. Still holding her stop sign aloft, a kindergarten child moving past her side, the 50-year-old instantly pushed the girl from the car's path and took the full brunt of the hit.
Six-year-old Kiley Keenan was unharmed.
"I just reacted to get her out of the way," said Johnston who underwent two leg surgeries after the accident outside Annunciation BVM School.
Taxes rise in lieu of cuts
The school board passed the 2005-2006 budget June 23 with a 4.34 percent increase in expenditures. This came in answer to citizen's desires not to have any programs cut.
Citizens with houses assessed at $64,900 will see a tax increase of $187.00 per year, according to Marshall. Haverford Township residents pay 80 percent of the school district's budget through real estate taxes.
The two highest expenditures for the district are salaries, at $37,612,466, and benefits, at $12,289,501.
Kelly is out, D'Emilio is in
Vice President Steve D'Emilio (R-1) was voted in as the new president at Monday's Board of Commissioners' meeting. Prior to the meeting, rumors surfaced that Joseph Kelly (R-2) was going to resign as board president.
At 11 p.m. Kelly slipped away from the meeting, and at around 11:30 p.m. Commissioner Fred Moran (R-4) read a note from Kelly:
"I'm reconsidering my resignation at this time. I do not feel well, and I have to leave early. I apologize, but I'm not resigning this evening. Signed, Joe Kelly."
High schoolers now able to take college courses
The Haverford Township School Board passed a dual enrollment program at its July 21 board meeting which will enable eligible high school students to take college level courses at the Delaware County Community College (DCCC).
The program is not only for students who have already taken advanced placement courses, but also to all seniors in good standing who have completed their high school requirements.
Teacher retires after 40 years
Arnold DeMuzio is retiring after 41 years of "enthusiastic" service as a mathematics teacher, the last 36 of which were at Haverford High School. "I had a terrific tenure," said DeMuzio. "It's been marvelous for me and it's not without regret that I'm leaving."
He taught three Algebra 2 courses and two Geometry 2 courses his first year, and went on to teach Trigonometry, Calculus, AP Seminar, Finite Math, Algebra 3, Probability & Statistics, along with a handful of others.
"The kids I've had in class have been nothing short of sensational at Mathematics," mused DeMuzio. "But more than that they are great people."
Proposed bike path is center of controversy
Haverford Township residents don't want a bike path in their backyards.
Commissioner Ken Richardson (R-8) placed a resolution on the Board of Commissioners' meeting agenda to authorize the township manager to pursue a plan for a bike path that would start at Rt. 3 and end at the Haverford State Hospital site.
A group of residents started a petition against the bike path. "It's a safety issue - you cannot patrol and have police there round the clock," said resident Matt Erulkar.
Drive-by shooting shocks Havertown
Police are searching for two black males in their early 20s who allegedly shot three men with a sawed-off shotgun and a semi-automatic near the Westgate Pub Aug. 14.
According to the Delaware County Daily Times, witnesses say Westgate Pub owner Elias Papachristos exited his business at 1:07 a.m. Aug. 14 and entered his vehicle parked in the lot and was then ambushed by two suspects who immediately started firing shots at the car.
He was injured as were two individuals who happened to be entering a vehicle in the same area, police said.
Husband charged in Havertown stabbing death
A 45-year-old estranged husband is charged with murder in the stabbing of a township woman Aug. 16, police said.
Kevin Sullivan, 45, was arrested in Philadelphia for killing his estranged wife, Lorie Sullivan, 39, in the Verlo Mattress Factory on West Chester Pike, according to Haverford Lt. Mark Harnish.
Police responded at 1:46 p.m. Aug. 17 after two store employees returned to the Verlo store. "They found a white female victim deceased in the store alone," said Moore Haverford Township Police Sgt. Charlie Moore.
Sullivan was arrested through a joint effort by Haverford Township Police, Delaware County C.I.D. Detectives and Philadelphia Police, Harnish said.
Small groups of pro- and anti-war protesters clash
A small anti-war demonstration took place at Eagle Road and West Chester Pike. Pat Jillard of Haverford Township, whose son is in the Pa. National Guard, expressed her opposition to the U.S. presence in Iraq by holding a sign listing the number of U.S. military deaths in Iraq to date.
Three people joined Jillard, holding similar signs critical of Iraq policies. Peter Manfra of Upper Darby and Julie McManus engaged in a debate over war issues with Jillard's group.
The talk became heated before the demonstration ended.
Board members bash Intelligent Design
The Sept. 1 school board meeting was capped off with a discussion on teaching Intelligent Design, the theory that nature and complex biological structures were designed by an intelligent being and not created by chance.
"They want us to give equal weight to wrong ideas, and we're derelict in our duties if we let this happen," said School Board Member Philip Hopkins of teaching the theory in Pennsylvania public schools.
Task force sought for revitalization
The Haverford Township Civic Council is seeking the help of people interested in revitalizing such areas as the Oakmont Business District and the Eagle and Haverford road intersection.
"The Oakmont Business District currently has four vacant or inactive storefronts. But it has the potential to be an exceptionally charming shopping area," said Civic Council President Donald Kelly, who'd like to form a revitalization task force.
Havertown couple heads for Louisiana to help
The mountains of supplies began building on the Weimers' Havertown front porch Sept. 4 after Carrie Weimer appealed for help on local TV following Hurricane Katrina.
She and her friends organized the cases of water, diapers, formula, toiletries, paper goods, and other items that Weimer and her husband, Dr. Robby Weimer, would be driving to a shelter in Louisiana. The 17-foot U-Haul donated by Haverford Township was filled, so the Weimers had to rent an additional trailer.
Friends and strangers also gave funds for gas and other expenses.
SMART boards get high marks from teachers
The Haverford School Board meeting was highlighted by recognition of crossing guard Debra Johnson, who saved a 6-year-old's life, and a demonstration of new SMART Boards currently in use at Manoa Elementary School.
An interactive whiteboard, the SMART board uses a computer and a projector to create a large, touch-screen surface from which teachers can perform a vast multitude of tasks.
Board members also discussed a variety of fundraising efforts, managed both by students and the district, designed to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Over 20,000 attend on picture perfect day
More than 20,000 area residents flocked to the 11th annual Haverford Township Day Oct. 1, the stretch from Mill to Manoa Roads on Darby Road packed with people ambling between the more than 150 merchant booths.
A donation jar was set up in front of a stage for the Haverford Cares initiative. The community-wide drive's goal is to raise $100,000 to relocate or adopt families devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
Officials vote to redistrict again
With a 4-3 vote, commissioners approved a plan to redistrict Haverford Township for the second time in less than two years.
A hot-button issue in Haverford Township, the redistricting debate has been carried from the boardroom to the courtroom and the issue is still not settled.
Commissioner Kenneth Richardson (R-8) said in his approval of the plan, "I think it is incumbent for this board to right wrongs."
"The courts have ruled that the redistricting plan that passed favored no particular side and was fair and convenient to voters," said Commissioner George Twardy (R-6). "It is unfortunate that the handful of people that opposed it on this board have cost the taxpayers a lot of money."
Haverford High's WHHS is back on the air
Haverford High School's WHHS radio station pumped up the volume of victory Friday to celebrate its first week back on the air.
"The fact that we're all here today proves what a group of students and citizens can do," said David Weston during a ceremony in the school commons. Weston, an alumnus who worked for the station in the 1960s, was one of a dedicated group that fought to keep the nation's oldest FM high school radio station alive. It lost its 107.9 FM frequency last year after a corporation received Federal Communication Commission approval to take it over with a commercial station.
Murder charges held for accused killer
A Morton man, who allegedly stabbed his wife to death while she was at work in August, waived his preliminary hearing in Haverford District Court Thursday.
Kevin Sullivan, 45, of the 100 block of West Sylvan Avenue, is charged with murder, aggravated assault, simple assault, and related offenses.
Sullivan is accused of killing his wife Lori Sullivan, 39, while she worked at the Verlo Mattress Factory next to the Manoa Shopping Center. He was scheduled for arraignment Dec. 15 in Media.
Firefighters bring donations to Miss.
Firefighters sleeping in their trucks, whole communities decimated, people living without refrigerators or microwaves ...According to one local firefighter who just returned Sunday from Mississippi, the situation in the Gulf Coast towns decimated by Hurricane Katrina is just as serious in some areas as it was over two months ago.
"They have still not to this day seen anyone from the federal government," said Manoa Fire Company Assistant Chief Michael Norman yesterday. "Imagine Havertown where there's no houses left."
Norman and four other local volunteers left for Picayune, Miss., Nov. 3 with a shipment of firefighting equipment donated by 13 Delaware County Fire Companies. Boxes of masks, about 300 sets of turn out gear, boots, and hoses were among the items loaded into a truck at the Manoa Fire Company on Eagle Road which spearheaded the effort.
Haverford to redistrict schools
The School Board presented plans for its first redistricting in nearly 20 years to a crowd of more than 100 in the Haverford High School auditorium Nov. 17. Superintendent David VanWinkle introduced the discussion.
Assistant Superintendent William Keilbaugh explained that after the original Chestnutwold School had closed in 1985, the district had to shift its students around. With the opening of the new Chestnutwold School scheduled for next fall and plans to build a new school in Manoa on Williamson Field in the works, Keilbaugh said it was time for another shift that will affect 600 students - roughly 25 percent - of the current school population.
The redistribution of attendance areas and the registration of kindergarten students will be completed by April 2006 and will go into effect for the fall of 2006.
The board anticipates voting on the plan in December.
40 percent property tax hike 'not true'
Following the business portion of the Nov. 17 meeting of the Haverford Township School Board, Board President Denis Gray squashed rumors which stemmed from the last Haverford Township Board of Commissioners meeting of a 40 percent property tax hike.
In the business portion of the meeting, the board authorized payment of several bills and reviewed a financial statement and bill list for 2005 food services.
Disbursements totaling $3,190,091 for the general fund and payroll accounts were ratified, as well as $874,766 in disbursements for the general obligation note from 2004. In addition, bills totaling $517,431 dated November 18 were approved.
The food services financial statement reflected a current balance of more than $32 million dollars, with nearly $2 million more coming from local and state taxes.
IN MID DELCO
Dunn retires
With 74 years of service between them, Marple Police Patrol Officer Edward Kauf- holz and Police Chief Frank Dunn were issued plaques by the Marple Board of Commissioners in Jan- uary following their retirements.
Marple Lieut. Tom Murray was promoted to police chief.
Eagles fever
Delaware County residents trek to Jackson- ville, Fla., in February to cheer on the Eagles in the first Super Bowl appearance since 1981. The Eagles went on to lose to the New England Patriots 24-21.
Pulte debate begins
In response to an appeal filed by Upper Providence on the legality of a revised ordinance concerning a proposed Pulte development along Crum Creek, the Marple Commissioners have hired the law firm of Blank Rome LLP.
The suit opposed the re-zoning of a portion of 402-406 Old Marple Road to create a medium-high density overlay district.
Fire erupts in church
St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church sustained an estimated $300,000 worth of damage caused by a fire Feb. 20.
Masses were celebrated in the gym at the Kelly Center behind the church.
Estate for sale
The estate of John E. du Pont has entered into an agreement to sell his 400-acre farm to Haverford resident John M. Rouse's development group.
Murder charged
Julio M. Monzon, 20, of Media, is charged with murder, aggravated assault, arson, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse.
Monzon allegedly killed his mother March 18 and put her burnt remains in a backyard trashcan. He is still awaiting trial.
April
A 28-year-old Drexel Hill man was shot and killed at the Rothrock Chevrolet in Springfield April 15.
Arthur James Dorazio, 28, of Drexel Hill, died of multiple gunshot wounds.
May
Marple Newtown School District officers announced they planned to fight a lawsuit filed by a woman who says she was not allowed to read the Bible to her son's kindergarten class.
On May 2, Donna Busch filed suit in U.S. District Court against the school district, school board, Superintendent Robert Mesaros and Culbertson Elementary School Principal Thomas Cook.
June
An Aronimink Golf Club employee drowned after jumping into the club's pool.
Edigberto Rodriguez, 18, of Chester, a dishwasher at the club, drowned after jumping off the diving board into 15-feet of water.
July
When she heard the news that bombs had been detonated in three crowded subway trains and aboard a London bus Thursday, Christine Keating's first thoughts were of her friends who were still in the city.
"One of the bombs went off about a block away from where I lived (Edgeware Road tube station) and where my former roommate is currently living," says Keating, a 1997 graduate of Springfield High School.
With 30 years working in the education field, from the classroom to administration, Merle Horowitz is hired as Marple Newtown School District Superintendent.
Horowitz replaced Robert Mesaros who served for five years until he retired in June.
August
With over three decades in law enforcement, former Haverford Police Lieut. Dennis J. Anderson is hired as chief of the Newtown Police Department.
Anderson replaced Lee Hunter who retired earlier in the year. Hunter won a district justice position in November.
World War II veterans were honored at Rose Tree Park Monday on a pleasant summer night to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the war.
September
With a new artificial turf field, stadium seating and lighting, hundreds of athletes marked the rededication of the Harry R. Harvey Field at Marple Newtown High School.
At St. Pius X Church in Broomall, Rev. Paul Castellani's homily Sunday, like many across the Philadelphia Archdiocese, addressed the recent grand jury report on sex abuse in the church.
Several accused priests had worked at county churches, according to the report.
November
The Newtown Board of Supervisors unanimously approved preliminary plans for the 123-acre Episcopal Academy campus along Rte. 252 at St. David's Road.
The school plans to relocate to Newtown Square from Merion.
IN UPPER DARBY
Iraq war hits home
Friends, family, and Upper Darby High School officials establish a scholarship fund in honor of Lt. Col. Mark Phelan. The 1979 graduate and Army Reservist was killed serving in Iraq in 2004.
Alleged Angel killed
Thomas Wood, 36, an Upper Darby resident and alleged member of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang was shot in Philadelphia Jan. 14 while riding on the Schuylkill Expressway.
Students raise $3,000
Hillcrest Elementary students raised almost $3,000 for the victims of the East Asian Tsunami during a bake sale.
Resigning council
Johanna Brown (R-7) and Joseph Mylotte (R-AL) resign from Upper Darby Council citing personal reasons Feb. 2.
Clifton Heights Mayor Mary Natale (R) officially retires after 16-years Feb. 15. Councilman Joseph Kelly is appointed acting mayor, and later wins a four year term in November's elections.
Diversity on council
Nate Goodson (R-7) is appointed Feb. 16 to replace Johanna Brown, becoming Upper Darby's first black council member.
Headstones vandalized
Students and community members volunteer the day before Easter to fix about 48 head stones that were vandalized in February at Upper Darby's Montrose Cemetery.
Long-time News of Delaware County columnist Joe DeFeo dies April 2.
Gov. Ed Rendell visits Upper Darby to talk tax relief at the Watkins Avenue Senior Center.
Alison Martinelli, 19, of Drexel Hill is killed in a crash after leaving the Bryan Street Pub April 5.
Pub owner Thomas Brower is awaiting trial on involuntary man slaughter charges. He was later charged with gambling violations and drug charges after authorities allegedly found an illegal poker tournament at the pub Aug. 24.
Upper Darby Police Superintendent Vincent Ficchi announces his retirement after 26-years on the force.
Pa. Attorney General Thomas Corbett initiates an investigation into a 2003 Upper Darby DUI arrest of Dante Panichi of Bala Cynwd after charges were not pursued. Sources quoted in Philadelphia Inquirer articles allege that police intentionally lost the case paper-work. Ficchi called the allegations baseless and said his decision to retire was not related in any way to the investigation.
July-September
The first trial of Jaliek Williams, 15, ends with a hung jury. Williams and Brandon "Bullet" Summers were accused in the 2003 shooting of Upper Darby native and Widener student John Lacey, 21.
Dante Panichi is found guilty of DUI charges stemming from his 2003 Upper Darby arrest.
A new dam is completed at Naylor's Run as part of a $600,000 township improvement effort following the Aug. 2004 floods.
Upper Darby School District unveils a new program to crack down on illegal students through a re-registration program and legal action against those found violating residency rules.
In November, the district files 13 civil suites in an effort to reclaim money from parents and guardians.
Upper Darby's resident Marcia Kenney is killed in a May 12 house fire on Seaford Avenue.
Upper Darby Council woman Marie McCaffrey (R-7) resigns citing family obligations.
Upper Darby joins a majority of Pennsylvania school districts in voting no to Act 72.
John Rankin (R-AL) is appointed June 15 to Marie McCaffrey's vacant seat on council. Township Democrats criticize the turnover rate on council calling it a "revolving door."
In July, Upper Darby officials announced that they would add another elementary school at the site of the former St. George's School in Glenolden. Named the Walter M. Senkow School in honor of the school board stand-out, the facility took in students from Bywood Elementary to alleviate over-crowding. The school opened at the start of the school year.
Charles Townsend, 23, of Philadelphia is arrested and charged with the July 6 shooting of Upper Darby's John Lar after allegedly using Lar's stolen cell phone. Accused accomplice William Cummings, 25, formerly of Philadelphia was later arrested in Texas and is facing murder charges as a co-conspirator.
Michael Chitwood, former Portland Maine Police Chief, is named as Upper Darby's new police superintendent. He starts Aug. 22. VIPs including Philadelphia Chief Sylvester Johnson attend a swearing in.
New York based Ashkenazy Acquisition Corp. acquires a large portion of 69th Street's commercial real estate for $100 million, buying out long time owner Willner Realty.
Michael Rafferty, 29, is arrested and charged with killing his parents and a neighbor during July 23 attacks on Devon Lane in Drexel Hill. Rafferty died after jumping off a bunk and landing on his head in prison Aug. 17, according a Medical Examiner's report.
October--December
Assistant Superintendent Louis DeVlieger is appointed to temporarily head the Senkow School. Former teacher Mary Cedrone becomes permanent principal in October.
Upper Darby school officials celebrate the success of their re-registration, reporting a 90 percent participation rate and a seven percent enrollment decrease.
A second mistrial is declared in the case against Jaliek Williams Aug. 15.
Liz Scott, mother of the girl with cancer that started "Alex's Lemonade Stand" visits Drexel Hill Middle School to congratulate students for fundraising.
Beasley Reese and Larry Mendte open the first-ever Upper Darby bowl is held Sept. 2 featuring Bonner, Archbishop Prendergast, and Upper Darby High.
Four Upper Darby firefighters travel to Texas to help hurricane Katrina and Rita Evacuees.
Upper Darby High School's Barbara Benglian wins Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
Upper Darby hosts a county-wide counter-terrorism drill Nov. 11 which involves over 1,000 volunteers and a federal grant.
William Rankins is convicted Oct. 6 of taking part in the April 2004 murders of two teens in Upper Darby during a botched robbery. He is later sentenced to life in prison. Alleged accomplice Darryl Stanley Williams is scheduled for trial later this year.
The Archdiocese announces that by July 1, 2006, Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast will complete an administrative restructuring to improve education and cost effectiveness.
Father Augustine Esposito is later appointed administrative head of both schools, with Sister Catherine Robinson, former head of the girl's school, scheduled for re-assignment.
Beloved Drexel Hill Raiders coach Jim Bongard dies in a car accident Oct. 24.
SEPTA workers hit the picket lines during a one-week strike by two unions that halts public transportation. A settlement is later reached Nov. 7 between TWU 234, UTU 1594 and management.
Republicans retain all seats in the November Upper Darby general elections, despite a full slate of Democratic challengers. Vincent Gordon and Maureen Carey are new faces on the school board.
Board president William Gaul later steps down, but remains serving, while former vice president Louisa Kochman takes over the lead role.
Mario DelGrosso of Drexel Hill is found dead in an Upper Darby jail cell Nov. 6. Police suspect a drug over-dose.
Michael Chitwood considers a run for Maine governor as a Republican or independent after being approached by state political and business leaders. He said he plans to decide sometime in mid-January 2006.
Upper Darby High School graduation ceremonies are slated to be moved following a structural problem at a fall pep rally with bleachers at Memorial Field. Negotiations continue for an alternate site.
Brandon Summers is found guilty of second degree murder and related charges in the Lacey murder Dec. 8. Jaliek Williams is scheduled for a third trial later this month.
Upper Darby High Senior Chris Grill is accepted to West Point.
On Dec. 19, H Mart, a national Asian supermarket chain, opens the first store of its kind in Delaware County in Upper Darby.
