Virginia Tech campus minister speaks about 2007 shooting at Neumann
ASTON >> The Rev. James Arsenault, former Catholic campus minister at Virginia Tech University, will speak at Neumann University 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 about the aftermath of the deadliest killing spree on an American college campus. Arsenault was on hand to help mourners after the April 16, 2007, mass shooting by a Virginia Tech student who killed 32 people— 27 students and five faculty members— on campus. Seventeen others were injured in the assault on the university’s campus in Blacksburg. He recalls having to tell parents that their child had been killed, conversations that shook him deeply.
During his talk in the Bayada Teaching Auditorium of the Abessinio Building, Arsenault will share his personal story, which includes the events of that horrific day as well as his journey after the shooting. This free presentation, entitled “From Hurting to Healing; Reflections on the Virginia Tech Tragedy,” is the first time he has spoken about the attack in public.
In 2007, after killing two students in a dormitory, Seung Hui Cho, armed with two handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, entered a classroom building and went from room to room shooting people. Approximately 10 minutes after the rampage began, he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Assistant professor Randy Jordan, who teaches pastoral and theological studies at Neumann, invited Arsenault to campus. The two have been friends for several years, but the priest has declined invitations to speak about his Virginia Tech experience until now. Fr. Arsenault currently serves two parishes in Richmond, Virginia.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church holds Red Cross blood drive
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2191 West Chester Pike, Broomall, will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive 1 – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26. This is a time of year when donations of blood are needed. Donors can sign up at www.redcrossblood.org and search by Sponsor Code: GLCB-roomall, or call 1-800-RedCross. People can also call the church office at 610-3561824 and leave a message with name, phone number and the time they are available and they will get a return call.
Literacy Champions celebrated in special event at Harrah’s
Literacy was championed from many vantage points when the Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) recently celebrated its 7th Annual Champions of Adult Literacy Fundraiser at Harrah’s Casino in Chester. Three champions were honored during the evening. Jahlil Beats, Grammy-winning music producer and Chester native, was honored as the Hometown Hero Champion at the event. The Delaware County Library System received the Community Champion award for being a vital and reliable resource for improving literacy. Catherine Bittle, Director of the Library System accepted the Champion award. She described the Library System’s 26 member libraries as “centers of their communities.”
Tatiana Moskatova was honored as the Student Champion. Moskatova started studying English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Literacy Council in 2006, just a few months after she arrived in the U.S. from Russia. She described the importance of learning English and how much she prized the Literacy Council’s free classes and tutoring.
The Delaware County Literacy Council has been providing free literacy instruction to Delaware County adults for 44 years. GED preparation, basic skill improvement, and ESL instruction are offered through classes, small groups, or one-onone tutoring with a literacy volunteer. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.delcoliteracy.org.
Providence Animal Center hosts adoption challenge
Providence Animal Center (PAC) will host an adoption challenge for the 50 days left in their adoption calendar: The PAC 50-50 Challenge. In an effort to reach PAC’s goal of 4,100 adoptions this year, the lifesaving center is challenging members of the public to adopt – or try out adoption through a “sleepover”- a 48-hour commitment free stint. Adoptions will be satisfaction-guaranteed throughout the end of the year; meaning, if for some reason the adoption doesn’t work out, the Center will accept the pet back and reimburse the pet owner’s adoption fee. For those adopt, PAC is offering a 50% off coupon for dogs, cats and kittens. All adopters, including puppy adopters, will be entered into a raffle to have adoption fees reimbursed, thanks to adoption sponsors. Multiple winners will be chosen weekly through New Year’s Eve.
For those ‘just looking,’ try PAC’s Rover All Over program where people can ‘rent’ a dog for the day. This is offered Monday through Friday as well as Sundays and pre-registration is required at ProvidenceAC.org/Rover.
The Center is hosting adoption events on Black Friday, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Santa will be visiting the Center to take pictures with newly adopted families on Sunday, Nov. 24 as well as Monday, Dec. 23.
For more information and to see a variety of pets available for adoption, visit ProvidenceAC.org. Those taking part in the challenge, can use the hashtag #PAC5050Challenge. Providence Animal Center is a at 555 Sandy Bank Rd., Media.