What’s happening in and around town this spring
SPRING BINGO
The Friends of the Upper Darby Libraries will sponsor a “Spring Fling Bingo” on Saturday, April 21, in the Library, 76 S. State Rd., Upper Darby. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Bingo will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for a reserved seat and $25 at the door. Food, drink and desserts will be available. The event includes raffles, 50/50 drawing, prize baskets, and many gift cards. Reserve a seat by calling Joanne Rebold at 610-622-8043. All proceeds benefit the Libraries.
EGG HUNT
Union United Methodist Church, 200 Brookline Blvd., Havertown will hold an Easter Egg Hunt 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 31. Children in the community are invited for crafts, stories, an egg hunt, refreshments and a visit from the Easter Bunny. For more information, call the church office at 610-789-1700 or email unionhavertown@verizon.net/.
BASEBALL TRYOUTS
Tryouts for Haverford Heat’s Senior American Legion Baseball team will be held soon. Any boys attaining the age of 17 through 19 by December 31, 2018, who also reside in Haverford Township, are invited to register to try out. Registration is at www.haverfordheat.org/.
CHINESE ACROBATS
Back by popular demand, the world famous Golden Dragon Acrobats bring a circus-arts spectacular filled with physically daring and visually stunning human feats to Upper Darby Performing Arts Center. Two performances will take place on April 7 at 3 and 7 p.m. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as one of the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring companies of today. The spellbinding artistry and amazing athletics will thrill audience members of all ages. Tickets for the performances are $15 - $20. Members of UDPAC and children 12 and under save $1. Tickets may be purchased online at www.udpac.org or by calling the box office at 610-622-1189. The performances are two hours with intermission, and appropriate for children four and up. Upper Darby Arts Center is at 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill. Combining award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques, the troupe has traveled to all 50 states and to more than 65 countries on five continents.
JOB SEEKERS
Joseph’s People Central Delco (JPCD) will host a free session, “How to Stand Out, Cut Through the Noise and Accelerate Your Career with Branding,” 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, in the Parish Hall of St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby. All are welcome, regardless of religious affiliation. Featured speaker is Dr. Brandi Baldwin-Rana, founder of Millennial Ventures, which provides professionals with tools for leadership and career freedom. A former Psychology and Business professor at Temple University, Lancaster Bible College and Johns Hopkins, she will teach those in transition what they have been doing wrong and how to make it right. Job seekers can experience an interactive workshop on how to identify and implement a professional brand that gets people’s attention. Dr. Brandi will teach how to articulate value within and across industries, standout in an authentic way and utilize LinkedIn to communicate with others. JPCD is a joint program of Media Presbyterian Church and St. Laurence Church in Upper Darby that provides networking opportunities, guidance and emotional support to job seekers and career changers. For more information, visit www.josephspeople.org/.
ITALIAN CABARET
Ciao Delco and Widener University will present an evening of Itailan Cabaret at the Delaware County Bar Association, 335 W. Front St., Media 7-11 p.m. Sat., April 28. The event will feature wine, dinner, dancing, refreshments and fun with music by Fulvio & Sal. For tickets,which cost $40, contact Nick Rapagnani at 610-212-9888 or Cas Quaciari at 484-680-1172. All proceeds will benefit the advancement of Italian Studies at Widener University.
CENTENARIAN SEARCH
Delaware County Council is searching for centenarians to honor at its 16th annual Centenarian Luncheon, set for Wednesday, May 23. Any county resident turning 100 or older in 2018 is welcomed to attend the luncheon at the Drexelbrook Banquet Center. Last year, 64 centenarians attended the luncheon and staff of the County of Delaware Services for the Aging (COSA) visited 11 additional centenarians in the community. Centenarians and one guest are admitted for free. Additional guests may purchase tickets for $25 each. Guests also receive a commemorative photo from the day along with a special proclamation from Delaware County Council. The organization or facility that brings the most centenarians to the luncheon receives a cash prize. For information and registration, call Debbie Hedgepeth at 610-872-1406.
COMMUNITY DINNER
Collenbrook United Church, 5290 Township Line Road, Drexel hill, hosts a free monthly Community Dinner to help feed local families in need from 5-7 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month in the fellowship hall. Guests should use the entrance near the playground. There is handicapped access through the sanctuary doors. For information, call 610789-9590.
FREE TAX PREP
The Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) will continue to provide its free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites over the next month. This year CAADC is hosting four sites serving lowand moderate-income families in Delaware County. All the sites are staffed by IRS trained and certified community volunteers and aim to serve families who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. Last year CAADC assisted 1,000 households with completing their taxes. The free sites are located at the Wesley House at 701 Madison St., Chester; Sharon Hill Commons, 401 Sharon Ave., Sharon Hill; the Boothwyn Office, 1414 Meetinghouse Rd., Boothwyn; and St. Alice Church, 150 Hampden Rd., Upper Darby. The sites will continue operation through April 17. All sites are by appointment only with hours occurring Monday through Saturday. Days and hours vary at each site. To schedule an appointment, call 610-833-4455.
HOME AND GARDEN
The Haverford Home & Garden Show, which will be held at Haverford Reserve on Sunday, April 15 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., will feature WHYY’s Mike McGrath of “You Bet Your Garden” as its keynote speaker. The event will feature participation by a variety of businesses, as well as home and garden design displays, a marketplace for shopping, a plant sale, food trucks,door prizes and much more. For more information, visit www.haverfordhomeandgardenshow.org/.
PENN STATE SOCIAL
The Delaware County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association will hold its Spring Social on Thursday, April 12 at the Springfield Country Club. The event will feature guest speaker “Mike the Mailman” who will share entertaining stories and memories from his 40 plus years in the Penn
State, University Park Post Office.The evening will begin with a cocktail hour from 6-7 p.m., followed by dinner and the guest speaker. A silent auction will also be held, as well as a Penn State Treasures table with old and new PSU memorabilia. For ticket information, visit www.delcopsualum.org/store/. For additional information about the organization and scholarship fund to benefit local Penn State students, visit www.delcopsualum.org/.
HAVERFORD CONCERT
The Concert Artist Series at Haverford College will present Matthew Plenk, tenor, and Steven Mayer, piano, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 3. Their program “Music by Robert Schumann” includes the songs Belsatzar, Op. 57, Stille Tränen from Zwölf Gedichte, Op. 35, No. 10, Carnaval, Op. 9, Liederkreis, Op. 39, and Selections from Dichterliebe, Op. 48. The performance will take place in Roberts Hall, Marshall Auditorium. Ticket prices are $20, adult; $15, senior; $10, student; $5, ages 7-17. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Brown Paper Tickets. For more information, 610-896-1011 or hcconcerts@haverford.edu.
CATNIP FUNDRAISER
CatNIP Animal Rescue, a no-kill, non-profit, 501(c) (3) charity, all volunteer organization based in Springfield, will hold its tenth annual fundraiser 7 p.m. Friday, April 6 at The Oaks Ballroom, 511 Oak Ave., Glenolden. Tickets are $50 and include a buffet dinner, beer, wine, music and dancing. There will also be door prizes, raffles, a silent auction and handcrafted items for sale. The event will raise money for veterinarian care and housing costs. Tickets can be purchased via paypal at http://catniprescue. org/catnipcats/Home.html or by mail at Catnip adoptions PO Box 284 Springfield, PA 19064.
CULINARY CAREERS
Those interested in a career in hospitality or culinary arts can get a flavor for both fields at Delaware County Community College’s Culinary and Hospitality Career Night on Wednesday, April 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and will be held in the STEM Center on the Marple Campus, 901 S. Media Line Road, Media. Qualified culinary and hospitality workers are in high demand by regional employers. Prospective and current students can use this opportunity to network with employers seeking to fill positions covering both the front and back of the house. Participating employers include Wawa, Wegmans, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Springfield Country Club. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Patrick J. Byrne, who has spent 32 years as the proprietor of the historic General Warren, an award-winning country inn and restaurant. Under his leadership, the General Warren has remained a Chester County institution regarded for providing a four-star dining and lodging experience. Byrne, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, will speak about his experiences as a hands-on owner and classically trained chef. The College offers an associate degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management as well as an associate degree and a short-term certificate in Culinary Arts. Students in the Hotel and Restaurant Management program learn what it takes to work in the hospitality field and, after graduation, can begin their career or transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree. Careers in the field are available all over the world and include working in casinos, hotels, restaurants, resorts, theme parks, on cruises and more. Learn more at: www.dccc. edu/hotel. The program is managed by Peter Gilmore, a renowned chef with more than 35 years of experience. Learn more at: www.dccc. edu/culinary. To register to attend Culinary and Hospitality Career Night, visit www.dccc.edu/career-night or call 610-723-4000.
SPELLING BEE
The Friends of the Haverford Township Free Library will host an adult spelling bee on Sunday, April 8 at 2 p.m. in the Community Room at the library, 1601 Darby Rd., Havertown. Teams will consist of three adult spellers, who will write words on a whiteboard, rather than spelling them aloud. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. The Bee is limited to 15 teams who have registered in advance by Sunday, April 1 and paid the $75 entry fee. Register at http://friendsofthehtfl. org/events-2/adult-spelling-bee/. Spellers can also print out the rules found there, sign the form, and mail or drop off the form and a check at the library front desk. Don’t forget to read the rules, as paying the fee electronically assumes compliance. Email info@ friendsofthehtfl.org with questions. Costumes are encouraged - both for teams and spectators. All funds raised directly support the Friends of the library. For more information, call 610446-3082.
SUN EAST AWARDS
Students pursuing higher education can compete for a Community Service Award for $500 to be selected by the Sun East Charitable Foundation Board of Directors.Two awards are being offered for one male and one female student who are high school seniors or current secondary education students, and who have participated in at least 40 hours of community service within the last year, and can demonstrate having made a positive influence on the community. Students can review the criteria and submit all materials to the Sun East Charitable Foundation no later than May 1. For more information, visit www.suneastfoundation.org/.
TOP CHEF
Amateur chefs from Delaware County churches will don their aprons and faceoff for the honor of “Top Shelter Chef” in a fundraiser to benefit three Delaware County shelters, 5 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby. The 6th Annual “Top Shelter Chef Contest” will benefit the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc.’s (CAADC) Save Our Shelters (S.O.S.) Campaign. The S.O.S. Campaign supports CAADC’s emergency shelters serving families and individuals from all of Delaware County including the Family Management Center, Life Center of Eastern Delaware County and the Wesley House. Funding from the S.O.S. Campaign has been vital to the continued operation of these homeless shelters. Currently, 50 different volunteer groups cook and serve meals at the Life Center on a rotating basis. The contest will feature volunteers from those organizations who will provide samples to all attendees and vie for the title of “Top Shelter Chef 2018.” Tickets for the event are $25 and all proceeds will benefit CAADC’s shelters. Attendance is limited. Tickets may be purchased by clicking the “TICKETS” button at www.caadc.org. Tickets may also be purchased by calling CAADC at the 610-833-4454.Those who are unable to attend but would like to donate to the S.O.S. Campaign, may click on the “DONATE” button at www.caadc.org or make checks payable to Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. and mail to Save Our Shelters Campaign, c/o CAADC, 1414 Meetinghouse Road, Boothwyn, PA 19061.
WOMEN’s FORUM
Registrations are now being taken for the Annual Womenomics® Forum to be held 8;30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 7. Sponsored by Delaware County Business and Professional Women’s Club and Friends of Delaware County Women’s Commission., the event will be held at the Springhaven Club in Wallingford. The Keynote Speaker is Cheryl Colleluori, Founder Headstrong Foundation whose topic is “Don’t Tell a Woman She Can’t.” A Presenter will be Christa Hayburn, Women Organized Against Rape, whose topic is “Beating the Odds: Rising Up in the Face of Adversity.” There will be breakout sessions for the attendees to participate in smaller groups to identify issues of importance to them and obtain practical innovative ideas. The breakout sessions include the Art of Networking, Why Should I Run-Choosing to Run for Office, Getting Organized, the Power of Fitness and Positivity, Buy or Rent at Any Age and Basic Budget Finance. The program, which includes breakfast, is $10. for students, $20
for members of supporting organizations and Delaware County employees and $25 for all other guests. For more information or to register go to www.friendsofdcwc.org or contact Teresa Miller at tmiller@frontrowlaw.com or call 610566-5035.
DAY AT BEACH
The West Catholic Girls Alumnae Association will present “A Day At The Beach” as its spring luncheon and fundraiser at The Porch at Lamb Tavern, 865 W. Springfield Rd., Springfield 12-4 p.m., Sunday, April 22. Cost is $35, with a cash bar. Summer attire, sandals, flip-flops, capris, beach hats, beach cover-ups are all encouraged. Dancing to the Beach Boys tunes, raffles and door prizes will all be part of the fun. Reservations are required. Tables of maximum of eight are available. Deadline is April 9, with no exceptions. No tickets will be sold at the door. Write checks payable to:WCGAA and mail it to: WCGAA, PO Box 805, Broomall, PA 19008. For information, call Rose Frank ‘61 at 610- 2595481 or Roe Mitchell ‘67 at 610-259-4486.
DUTCH APPLE TRIP
Friendship Circle Senior Center, located on the campus of Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital, will sponsor a trip to Dutch Apple Dinner Theater in Lancaster on Saturday, June 30. Cost is $85 with a non-refundable deposit
of $45 due by March 14.Make checks payable to Friendship Circle. Bus will depart at 9 a.m. from the parking lot of Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital adjacent to St. Bernard Hall in Darby. To reserve aseat and make a deposit, visit the center, email dshumacher@scs-delco.org or call 484-534-2201.
GRANGE OPENS
The Historic Grange Estate, 143 Myrtle Ave., Haverford Township, will open its doors, April 7 and 8, for its 43rd Season. Tours of the mansion are 1-4 p.m., most Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 28, with the last tour beginning at 3:30 p.m. Tours are conducted by volunteers, and admission is $5 for adults, $1 for children 5-10 and free for those under the age of 5. Private group tours are available by appointment by calling the Estate’s office at 610446-4958.The Grange Estate’s Gift Shoppe will also be open during tour hours, and is brimming with hand-crafted “made-inAmerica” gifts. Upcoming events, hosted by Friends of the Grange are: Thursday, April 5, 7 p.m., Grange Board of Managers meeting. Members and the public are invited; Saturday, April 7, 8 a.m. to Noon and Sunday, April 8, 9 a.m. to noon, Attic Treasures Sale. Call Jeanine at 610-7893012 to donate items. The mansion will be open with tours conducted between 1-4 p.m.;Pandora’s Garden, a nature-based play class for toddlers ages 18 months to 4 years old, 10-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays, April 18 to June 13 or 10-11:30 a.m.,
Fridays, April 20 to June 17, with parent/guardian. Cost is $180.Register at pandorasgardenblog.com/register. Courses are conducted at the Barnett Environmental Center in the Carriage House; Saturday, April 21, 9 a.m. to Noon, Cobbs Creek Cleanup. Meet at the Long Barn or come down to the creek; wear your boots and bring gloves; Sunday, April 22, 1-3 p.m., Arbor Day, with a special remembrance for Roy Sandstrom, former Friends of the Grange treasurer and co-chairman of the Buildings, Gardens and Grounds Committee. Haverford Middle School’s 7th Heaven Choir will perform, light refreshments will be served and the public is welcome. For more information or questions, call 610-446-4958, e-mail grangeest@verizon.net or visit the website www.thegrangeestate.or
OVER 60 FITNESS
Friendship Circle Senior Center, located on the campus of Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital of St. Bernard Hall in Darby is growing its exercise classes for individuals 60 plus at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. Everyone is welcome for a class Called Total Body Fitness where you use light weights and band and work the muscles that people need to accomplish everyday living tasks. Cost is $2 for each session and there are incentives for free classes. For more information, e-mail dshumacher@ scs-delco.org.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Friendship Circle Senior
Center, 1515 Lansdowne Ave., Darby is in immediate need of drivers and runners for the Homebound Meal Delivery.Meals are delivered Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11:30a.m. Mileage reimbursement is provided. For additional details contact Michele O’Brien at 484-496-2149 or mobrien@scs-delco.org/.
IMPRISONED LOVED ONES
The Mary Mother of Captives support group meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at St. Charles Borromeo parish center in Drexel Hill. The group lends support to anyone who has a loved one in county, state or federal prison or who is on probation or parole from prison. For more information, call Maryann McCaffrey at 4846201586 or 610-626-2304. Total Anonymity is guaranteed.
CLEAN-UP HELP NEEDED
Synchronized with Earth Day, CRC Watersheds Association’s volunteers will come together to remove trash from Chester, Ridley, and Crum Creeks in Delaware and Chester Counties 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 21.
Volunteers from 5 to 95 who care about the environment and natural resources are needed, rain or shine, to be a part of the stream cleanup in their neighborhood. After an informative greeting from a CRC site coordinator on the morning of the cleanup, volunteers will descend
into the creeks or along the banks, searching for everything that doesn’t belong. Littering, wind scooping out trash from cans, carelessness and disregard are some reasons why trash ends up in our streams.
In addition to removing the typical items like beer and soda cans, plastic bottles, and glass containers, large unexpected items are pulled from the streams Since the effort began in 1997, 320 tons of trash have been removed from these local streams.
Over the years, volunteers have removed plastic and metal trash cans, car batteries, shopping carts, lawnmowers, dishwashers, old furniture, and even a kitchen sink. Year after year, volunteers pull tires out of the streams and last year was the highest count ever at 50.
On a more positive note, volunteers have encountered thriving wildlife such as turtles, groundhogs, frogs, fish, a mama and baby fox heading into their den, a goose nesting, signs of beavers, and migratory and homebody birds chirping their melodies.
This year there will be close to 40 sites, in 28 townships, within 3 watersheds. To find out more about volunteering, visit www.crcwatersheds.org to locate the stream site nearby and register as a volunteer or sponsor.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Delaware County Women Against Rape has been providing services to victims of sexual assault and to their significant others since 1974. The non-profit agency depends on the support of volunteers to help in assisting to meet the needs of clients 24-hours a day. Services to victims include hospital/police interview, accompaniment, and telephone crisis intervention. Volunteers receive a 40-hour training to prepare them for their responsibilities and are asked to provide support at least twice a month for an evening or weekend shift. Delaware County Women Against Rape is asking interested community members to call 610-566-4342.
USHERS SOUGHT
Want to get involved in the arts in the community and see shows for free? Volunteer ushers are a vital part of the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center’s (UDPAC) team and it depends on ushers to take tickets, seat patrons, distribute show programs and help patrons feel welcome and comfortable at performances. No experience is necessary. All ushers are trained. To sign up or for more information, e-mail boxoffice@udpac.org or call 610-622-1189.