Resident calls for a halt on Shoppes at Concord

Karli Franiak, of Team Toyota, is surrounded by members of Concord Township Council after receiving a plaque from council for being a sponsor for the township’s Parks & Rec programming.

The application for a proposed shopping center at Ridge Road and Route 202 came up again at the Concord Township Council’s March 3 meeting.

During the Citizen Comment period, resident Kevin Voit again spoke out against the proposed Shoppes at Concord. Voit addressed the council last week during Giant supermarket’s liquor license transfer conditional use hearing, calling for the council to deny the transfer. (That story may be found here.)

When speaking on Tuesday, he noted the applicant had withdrawn its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit application from consideration with the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.

“While the reasons behind this withdrawal are unknown, it stands to reason that the ongoing hearing before the Zoning Hearing Board should be halted pending updated site plans,” he said. “Continuing to hold hearings on a site plan that no longer holds relevance is a waste of township resources .”

Voit went on to say that the “shotgun approach of the applicant and associated tenants — Giant and their premature liquor license transfer application — should no longer be tolerated.”

He said all hearings on the matter should be halted “until the applicant gets its act together.”

Other business

Concord Township Council thanked Team Toyota for being a presenting sponsor of the township’s Parks and Rec programing for 2026.

Council Co-Vice President John Crossan said this is the third year for Team Toyota sponsoring the programming.

“They gave us $13,000 toward our programming, which last year, reached more than 5,000 residents,” he said before the council gave a plaque to Karli Franiak of Team Toyota.

Engineer Joe Renzo said there is movement on the Smithbridge Road roundabout project. He said roadway easement acquisitions are nearing completion.

“Agreements are in place, and documents are currently being recorded with the county, and PennDOT is completing a constructability review. Once this review is complete and the right-of-way documents have been submitted to PennDOT, we can prepare plans for bidding,” he said.

He added that the bidding could be letted by mid-July, with work starting shortly thereafter. Construction will take about two years.

Council made several appointments during the meeting. Members appointed Michael Sheridan as alternate solicitor for the Zoning Hearing Board; Saleem Shaik to the library board; and Joe Barbato to the ZHB.

And council also accepted two resignations. Tony Shahan resigned from the Historical Commission, and Sherin Motawea resigned from the Parks & Rec Board. Shahan recently resigned as the executive director at Ndewlin Grist Mill.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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Ryan’s Rise Up Café in Glen Mills Creates Opportunity Through Inclusive Employment

Business, Local News

Creating Opportunity Through Inclusive Employment at Ryan’s Rise Up Café in Glen Mills

A new café in Glen Mills is preparing to open with a mission that goes beyond coffee. Ryan’s Rise Up Café, located in Concordville Town Centre on Evergreen Drive near U.S. Route 322, was created to build opportunity, connection, and confidence through meaningful employment for individuals of all abilities.

The café was founded by Concord Township resident Jim Vail and was inspired by his son, Ryan. After years of seeing how difficult it can be for many people to find supportive and fulfilling workplaces, Vail set out to create a business designed to open doors and strengthen community connections. Ryan’s Rise Up Café reflects both a father’s love and a broader vision for a more inclusive community.

That spirit is captured in the café’s guiding philosophy: built on love, driven by purpose.

Ryan’s Rise Up Café plans to employ between 15 and 20 team members when it opens, with long-term plans to expand to as many as 45 employees. The café is designed to provide a supportive work environment where team members can develop job skills, build independence, and thrive as part of a welcoming community. Employees will include individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental and cognitive differences.

Training and mentorship will play an important role in the program. A behavioral specialist will work alongside staff to help team members grow in their roles and navigate daily responsibilities. The space will also include a sensory room where employees can take a break in a calm environment when needed.

While the mission behind the café is meaningful, the experience for customers will feel like any neighborhood coffee shop. Guests will be able to stop in for coffee and café fare while supporting a business dedicated to empowerment and opportunity.

The message behind Ryan’s Rise Up Café is simple but powerful. The goal is to create opportunities where they have too often been out of reach, empowering individuals of all abilities to grow, connect, and thrive.

The café hopes to become a gathering place for the Glen Mills and Brandywine Valley community, where a morning coffee can also support a larger purpose. Visitors are invited to come for the coffee and leave inspired by the people and mission behind the café.

Final preparations are underway at Concordville Town Centre, and the café is expected to open soon. Community members interested in following the progress of the café and learning about the official opening date can stay up to date through the café’s website and Facebook page.

More information can be found at
https://ryansriseupcafe.com
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584029746853

About Jamie Kleman

Jamie Kleman is a children’s author, playwright, TEDx speaker, and the Executive Producer of It’s Not Mean to be Green, an award-winning book and musical that toured for two years and launched a national Make a Monster Difference movement. She is the creator of the It’s Not Mean to be Green Camp and Licensing Program, a turnkey theatre and sustainability curriculum adopted by schools, libraries, museums, homeschool networks, and youth organizations.

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Career fair connects Goldey-Beacom students with employers, emphasizes communication and preparation

Townsquare Delaware

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Photo Goldey-Beacom College job fair “HireAbout” last year.

Recruiters repeatedly emphasized that soft skills often make the difference when evaluating potential candidates.

Yoselin Negrete, Journalist, Town Square LIVE.

WILMINGTON, Del. — More than 30 employers gathered at Goldey-Beacom College this week for a career fair designed to connect students with internships, job opportunities, and professional advice as they prepare to enter the workforce.

The event, held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., brought approximately 32 companies and organizations to campus, giving students the chance to meet recruiters, learn about potential career paths and practice professional networking skills.

Employers representing industries from finance to government participated, including Bank of America, Robert Half, Sallie Mae and the State of Delaware.

Throughout the event, students circulated between booths, asking questions about hiring needs, internships and entry-level opportunities. Many attendees arrived dressed in business or business-casual attire and appeared confident while engaging recruiters in conversation.

Recruiters highlight soft skills

While technical qualifications remain important, recruiters repeatedly emphasized that soft skills often make the difference when evaluating potential candidates. Lori, a recruiter with J & J Staffing Resources, said punctuality, professionalism and strong communication are among the most important qualities students can demonstrate when meeting employers.

She noted that one of the most common mistakes at career fairs is a lack of preparation.

“Sometimes students walk in without researching companies or thinking about what they want to ask,” she said. “Preparation and making a strong first impression are critical.”

Liz Milligan, talent manager at Robert Half, echoed that perspective, saying recruiters often look for candidates willing to step forward and start a conversation.

“Communication and asking questions really stand out,” Milligan said. “One mistake we see is students being shy or simply passing by booths without engaging. Being open-minded and proactive can make a big difference.”

Engagement key to standing out

Across the room, recruiters reported steady traffic and active conversations with students interested in learning more about potential careers.

Observers noted strong interaction between students and employers throughout the fair, with many students taking time to introduce themselves, discuss career interests, and collect information about opportunities.

Recruiters said that initiative — simply approaching a booth and starting a conversation — is often the first step toward making a lasting impression.

The overall message from employers was consistent: confidence, communication, and professionalism remain essential skills for students hoping to stand out in a competitive job market.

Career fairs like the one hosted at Goldey-Beacom provide students with an early opportunity to practice those skills while building connections that could lead to internships or future employment.

Staff Writer

Delaware LIVE collaborates with a network of professional journalists to cover a diverse range of stories across various fields. Staff Writers include experienced journalists and young professionals. If you have questions, please feel free to contact editor@delawarelive.com or our publisher, George D. Rotsch at George@Delawarelive.com

About

This post was originally published on TownSquareDelaware

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns to Downtown Wilmington March 14

Townsquare Delaware

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The Irish Culture Club of Delaware hosts the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wilmington. Photo courtesy of The Irish Culture Club of Delaware.

Downtown Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns March 14

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade hosted by the Irish Culture Club of Delaware will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in downtown Wilmington. The parade begins at 12:00pm at the intersection of 4th Street and King Street and proceeds north along King Street, concluding at 14th Street and King Street.

A longtime Delaware tradition, the parade draws thousands of spectators each year to celebrate Irish heritage, music, and community spirit. Families, community organizations, pipe and drum bands, Irish dancers, first responders, and local groups participate in the colorful procession that fills King Street with energy and pride. Spectators line the sidewalks dressed in green, waving flags and cheering as marchers make their way through the city.

The parade is organized by the Irish Culture Club of Delaware, a nonprofit founded in 1976 and dedicated to preserving and promoting Irish culture throughout the region. In addition to the annual parade, the organization hosts cultural events, dinners, music performances, and educational programs that celebrate Irish history and traditions across Delaware.

At the conclusion of the parade route at 14th and King Streets, the annual Hooley continues the celebration. Attendees are welcome to enjoy the parade from this location and remain for the festivities that follow. Alcohol and food will be available for purchase, and the club’s yearly commemorative beer mugs will be sold for $20.00. The mugs include unlimited refills until the beer runs out, typically around 4:00pm. This location offers one of the best vantage points to see each parade participant as they complete their march.

The event is family friendly and welcomes people of all backgrounds to take part in the celebration. Marching bands fill the air with traditional Irish music, step dancers showcase intricate choreography, and community groups come together to mark the holiday in a festive and inclusive atmosphere. For many, the parade signals the unofficial arrival of spring in Wilmington and serves as a highlight of the city’s annual event calendar.

As the city turns green for the day, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade promises an afternoon filled with music, camaraderie, and celebration in the heart of downtown Wilmington. Whether attending for the pageantry, the culture, or the community spirit, this annual tradition continues to bring residents and visitors together each March.

For more information:
https://www.visitdelaware.com/event/st-patricks-day-parade/90902/
https://www.irishcultureclubde.com/
https://www.facebook.com/events/4244110022467738/