Briefs are short stories that bring you up to date with what’s happening around the county. This Morning:

U.S. Government Approves the Sale of Nine Sikorsky Black Hawks to Saudi Arabia

The sale to Saudi Arabia of nine UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters built by Sikorsky Aircraft has been approved by the U.S. government.

The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the deal, valued at $495 million, would help improve the security of its key ally that is fighting Iranian-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen, as well as participating in coalition efforts to fight extremists in Syria.

DSCA, which oversees foreign arms sales, stated that the nine requested helicopters have General Electric engines, embedded GPS systems, machine guns, and missile warning systems. They can be used for search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian support, counterterrorism, and combat operations. Sikorsky Aircraft operates an assembly plant in Coatesville.

While there are 30 days for U.S. lawmakers to block the sale, such action is rare, as arms sales are usually vetted well in advance of formal notification to Congress.

DCCC Faculty Member Named Educator of the Year

Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services has named Robert “Bubba” Hamilton, the Delaware County Community College’s Paramedic Education coordinator, as 2015 Educator of the Year.

The Educator of the Year Award is presented annually to one deserving educator who has contributed to the development and growth of EMS education in the Commonwealth. This is the first year ever that a Delaware County Community College educator or Delaware County resident received the award.

Hamilton has been an EMS educator for 19 years, teaching, among other disciplines, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support, and Geriatric Education for EMS.

“Receiving this award is certainly one of the highlights of my career,” said Hamilton. “I credit my success and the success of our programs to being able to surround myself and our students with great educators and doing all that I can to remain a student of EMS myself.”

“Race Through the Grapes” Raises Funds for Scholarship

More than 150 runners showed up for “Race Through the Grapes” on Saturday, to honor the memory of a beloved local doctor with this annual 5k run.

The event was first organized last year, with the goal of raising money for a scholarship in the name of Dr. Greg DeSimone, the former medical director for SCCEMS Medic 94 and the Jennersville/SCCMC Emergency Department, who died unexpectedly in 2013.

The money gathered from the race will be awarded to one student who is studying to become a physician’s assistant. Last year’s run raised close to $3,500, a sum they hope to match this year.

“Greg was truly a renaissance man,” said Medic 94 Director Bob Hotchkiss. “He could sit down with any patient and talk to them about any subject. His easy-going demeanor endeared him to those he met and worked with.”

Malvern Community Arts Project Releases Self-Guided Tour

To help attract visitors and consumers to Malvern, the Malvern Community Arts Project has released its 10-block self-guided public art tour of the town, based on projects completed by the organization together with other art displays.

The Malvern Community Arts Project, a volunteer organization operating under the town’s Business & Professional Association, recently finalized its fifth community-funded public art project. This consists of a series of murals on Bridge Street created by Great Valley High School art students. A sixth project on the side of the Malvern Saddlery building facing Warren Avenue has also been approved by the Borough Council.  

“Displays of public art are a distinguishing characteristic in a community,” said Kristin Thomas, Founder of Malvern Community Arts Project. “Outdoor murals can often become landmarks and attract visitors. An investment in public art is good for all of the businesses in town.”