‘The Vocalist’ is back at Media Theatre, auditions held May 7
MEDIA » The Media Theatre announces that it’s time once again for “The Vocalist” competition, kicking off with annual auditions at 6 p.m. May 7.
The contest has produced several performers who have gone on to appear in professional productions at The Media Theatre and at other regional theatres or on Broadway, including Ava Briglia who was a top five placer during “Vocalist Junior” and was in Broadway’s hit show “Matilda,” playing the title role. She is currently playing the role of Summer in Broadway’s “School of Rock” musical. Jackie Verna, of West Chester, was also a contestant a few years ago and is now doing well on NBC’s “The Voice”as a member of Adam Levine’s team.
All ages may audition on the same night and are placed in the proper category according to their age. “The Vocalist” is for ages 1424 while “Vocalist Junior” is for ages 7-13. The contests begin on stage in front of a live audience in July.
The winner of “The Vocalist” and “The Vocalist Junior” receive a cash prize to assist in furthering their education or career.
“The Vocalist” takes place for three weeks this summer on the following Wednesdays: July 11, 18 and 25. All contestants sing each week, with an elimination being made at intermission on July 25 before Act Two.
“Junior” has a five week competition in 2018 on the following Sundays: July 8, 15, 22 and 29, and Aug. 5. All Junior contestants sing the first three weeks prior to eliminations being made before July 29 for the semi-finals. After July 29, the top 15 return for the finals on Aug. 5.
There is a $25 registration fee for the auditions at The Media Theatre. All auditioning must bring sheet music for the pianist. Any audition song is acceptable for both age groups.
For information and registration, visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. Contestants may also register at the door the night of the auditions. There are no appointments; auditions are held in order of “signup.” “The Vocalist” contest is sponsored by Iron Workers Bank.
School security grants announced
HARRISBURG » Senator Tom McGarrigle, R-26 of Springfield, announced Friday the approval of state grants to help two area school districts pay for security equipment. McGarrigle said Ridley School District will receive $20,000 and Rose Tree Media School District $19,975 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office for Safe Schools. The funds will be used to purchase security cameras.
“Keeping students and staff safe is a serious responsibility for schools and one that comes at a financial cost. I am very pleased to announce state funding to help Ridley School District and Rose Tree Media School District purchase this important equipment,” McGarrigle said.
The goal of the Safe Schools Targeted Grant for Equipment is to assist schools in procuring the resources and training necessary to create a physical environment that fosters the safety and well-being of students and staff. Eligible equipment includes surveillance equipment (up to $600 per camera), emergency communications equipment including radios, and visitor identification systems.
Get healthy in 164th
MILLBOURNE » State Rep. Margo Davidson, D- 164 of Upper Darby, holds her eighth annual Community Health Fair from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at Everest Urgent Care, 6787 Market St.
“The community health fair is a perfect opportunity for residents of the 164th Legislative District to receive free screenings – and get lots of health questions answered – by making just one visit,” said Davidson. “I think it’s very important for the health and safety of my constituents who may not have access to health care that my office provides this service.”
Health care and program experts are on hand to answer questions about federal and state health care programs, as well as to perform screenings and answer questions.
The health fair includes free health screenings; information on health wellness from providers, state and county agencies and nonprofits; door prizes and giveaways.
For information, contact Maureen McGrory at 610259-7016 or mmcgrory@pahouse.net
Lose weight with Mercy Fitz
DARBY BOROUGH » Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital hosts free community events to help weight-loss surgery patients achieve healthy lifestyles in May. Each month, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital offers a series of comprehensive informational events to help improve and maintain the overall health of bariatric surgery patients.
On May 2, the hospital hosts a bariatric information session to educate patients about life-changing weightloss surgery options and support services. Patients will also have the opportunity to meet Mercy’s bariatric surgeons. The information session is held 6-7:30 p.m. Registrationis required. For registration, call 1-855-LESS-YOU or visit www.mercyhealth.org
On May 7, the hospital hosts a nutrition class to help patients construct a healthy dietary plan and successfully keep off excess weight. The classes meet 4:30-5 p.m. Registration is not required.
Also on May 7, the hospital hosts a support group meeting for patients to share stories about their weight-loss journey and offer each other advice. The class meets from 5-6 p.m. Registration is not required.
All events take place in Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital’s Sister Marie Lenahan Wellness Center, 1503 Lansdowne Ave. For information, call 610237-3641 or visit www.mercyhealth.org
Thrift store back in Clifton
CLIFTON HEIGHTS » Sacred Heart Parish, 316 East Broadway Ave., holds a grand reopening sale for the Sacred Heart Thrift Shop from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 5. The shop has moved to its new location in the Rectory Basement. Entrance is through the rear door of the rectory. New items are available for purchase, and there is a bake sale and refreshments for purchase. Thrift shop donations are accepted during sale hours.
There is a thrift shop open house on May 5 after the 4 p.m. Vigil Mass and May Procession. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays and 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays. Proceeds benefit parish ministries. For information, call the church at 610-6230409 or Joanne Leonard at 610-324-3299.
Living history in Norwood
NORWOOD » Norwood Historical Society invites the public to step back in time at 7 p.m. May 3 when historical interpreter Antoine Randolph Watts brings Jacob Clement White Jr. (1837-1902) to life at borough hall, 10 W. Cleveland Ave.
Professor White shares his life experiences of the times in which he lived. He was the first graduate of the Institute of Colored Youth, which is now Cheney University. He was the first African American high school principal in Philadelphia and a member of Pennsylvania Militia 5th Brigade.
The event is appropriate for all ages. Refreshments are served. For information, call Jackie Sallade at 484494-1179.
Registration easy at DCCC
Delaware County Community College offers WalkIn Registration at select locations on Wednesdays and select Saturdays for those interested in taking summer or fall credit classes. WalkIn Registration provides current and prospective students with a flexible, convenient way to receive help with
applying, placement testing, financial aid, meeting with an advisor and registering for classes—all in a single visit.
Walk-In Saturdays are offered at the Marple Campus, 901 S. Media Line Road, Media; Southeast Center, Folcroft East Business Park, 2000 Elmwood Ave., Sharon Hill; Pennocks Bridge Campus, Technical College High School, 280 Pennocks Bridge Road, West Grove; and Exton Center, 906 Springdale Drive, Whiteland Business Park, Exton; on May 12, June 16, July 14, Aug. 11 and 18, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Registrants who need a placement test must arrive by 11 a.m.
Walk-In Wednesdays are each Wednesday from July 11-Aug. 22 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at Marple, Southeast, Pennocks Bridge and the Downingtown Campus, 100 Bond Drive, Downingtown. Registrants who need a placement test must arrive by 5 p.m.
For information about Walk-In Registration, visit www.dccc.edu/walk-in or call 1-855-788-2273. The entire process can take up to four hours; plan accordingly.
Registration for summer and fall courses is already under way and includes on-campus, online and hybrid course options. Visiting, current and new students can apply and learn more at www.dccc.edu/ register
Discussion, debate events from LWV
The League of Women Voters of Central Delaware County hosts a panel of four municipal police chiefs at a Hot Topics luncheon at noon Friday, May 11, at the Springhaven Country Club, 600 S. Providence Road, Wallingford.
Chester City Chief Jim Nolan, Upper Darby Chief Michael Chitwood, Nether Providence Chief David Splain and Swarthmore Chief Brian Craig are on hand to talk about the special challenges of policing both in small quiet boroughs and big diverse townships.
There is time for questions for the chiefs after their presentations. The buffet luncheon is $20. For reservations, email hthorne@verizon.net or call Hank Thorne at 610566-5474. Guests an mail a check to LWVCDC at PO Box 131, Wallingford, PA 19086 or pay at the door.
The Delaware County League of Women Voters hosts candidates’ forums for the Democratic Party candidates before the May 15 primary election.
The forum is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, at Cabrini University, 610 King of Prussia Road, Radnor. Follow the signs to the Widener Lecture Hall. The league is expecting all 10 remaining candidates. As always, attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions for candidates.