Aston Lions, Lionesses treat sight impaired to summer camp
Unity Day, AbbeyFest, horseshoe tournament, and more on the horizon locally
ASTON » The Aston Lionesses recently teamed up with the Aston Lions to host the Frank A. Staus Day Camp for the Blind at American Legion Post 926.
Every summer, for over forty years, the Lions and Lionesses have teamed up to provide an enjoyable camp experience for Delaware County residents who are blind. Round-trip transportation daily to the camp is provided by Pennsylvania Association for the Blind.
Campers are provided with a T-shirts, food, and various activities for the week.
“Many times, those at the Center for the Blind in Chester don’t get away for a vacation because they’re elderly or retired or on a fixed income, so they really appreciate this week with their peers,” stated Lioness Michelle Donato of Aston. “The campers really enjoy themselves. It’s fun for them, but it’s fun for us, too!”
Each day the campers are treated to an educational program, entertainment, and a wide menu of food options. Trivia games, a flea market, crafts, bingo, a pizza day and a barbecue are just some of the things campers do while attending.
“The camp is an inspiration to many,” remarked Lioness member Candy Bantum of Chester, who also works at the Center for the Blind. “We do our best to make sure it’s the best week of the year. Those who attend have such a wonderful time and often, that camp week, is the highlight of the summer.”
Unity Day set for Saturday at Sapovits Park
The 14th annual Unity Day will be held from noon until dusk on Saturday, Aug. 26 at Sapovits Park, Vernon and Anderson streets, Media.
The day will feature food vendors, entertainment, activities for the kids, face painting and more. Performances will include Then and Now DJ Services, The Ultimate and Friends, Ol’ Skool Harry Jackson, Amino Gunz and Nya-Jolie.
This year’s theme is Refocus, Reconnect, Rebuild and Reunite.
Hosted each year by the Unifying Group, the day is filled with fun, family, community and fellowship and is meant to bring people together, to be empowered by one another. Everyone is welcome.
This year’s sponsors include CMP Radio, Pinocchio’s Restaurant, Tiny T’s, Strath Haven Gridiron Club, Celebrity Boxing, Media Rugby, Justa Few Guyz LLC, Bitter Sweet Kitchen, The School of Rose Valley, Nether Providence Township, Be the Joy Foundation, FUSE Delco, Delco Rentals and Renovations, MTV Law, State Rep. Carol Kazeem, State Rep. Leanne Kruger, Chester Community Charter School, and The Phoenix Foundation.
To become a vendor, volunteer, or for any information, call Eric Townes at 610-803-7903.
Parkside Fire Company seeks crafters, flea market vendors
The Parkside Fire Company, 107 W. Roland Road, Parkside, will host a craft fair/flea market, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23. The Fire Company needs artists and vendors to rent spaces to sell their items.
Spaces cost $35. To rent a space, call Desiree Edwards at 610-842-9909. All proceeds will benefit the fire company.
Upper Darby Marine Corps Detachment #884 holds horseshoe tournament
The Upper Darby Detachment #884 of the Marine Corps League, will host its annual Sands of Secane horseshoe tournament on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the detachment’s home, 1026 Providence Road, Secane.
Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the tournament at 1 p.m. The cost is $40 for throwers, and $20 for nonthrowing guests. Prizes are first place, $250; second place, $160; and third place, $90. Partners and singles will be welcomed.
Food and refreshments are provided. There will also be a 50/50 drawing, and a $10 ringer pit, with 10 shoes for $10.
This is a rain or shine event, and you must be 21 years of age to participate. For information contact 610259-USMC (8762).
Fundraiser benefits Italian Cultural Center of the Delaware Valley
A fundraiser for a new
Italian Cultural Center of the Delaware Valley, coming soon to The Lazaretto in Tinicum Township, will take place Sunday, Sept. 24 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Phoenix Ballroom, 1661 Mill Road, Upper Chichester Township.
Tickets cost $45 and will include entertainment, buffet dinner, hors d’oeuvres, porchetta, desserts, wine, beer soda, coffee and espresso.
Entertainment will be provided by Vito Lombardo of Brooklyn, New York, and Steve Silicato. Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out quickly. A raffle for gift baskets will also be available.
For information, contact Nick Rapagnani at 610212-9888 or Maura Febbo at 570-290-3653. All proceeds will benefit the Italian Cultural Center of the Delaware Valley.
Artists wanted to paint Upper Darby murals
The Upper Darby Mural Arts Program is seeking local artists who wish to give back to the community through public art.
All creative painters, sculptors and visionaries, age 18 and over, regardless of background, are invited to be a part of this vibrant initiative. High school students may also participate with parental permission.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
To apply, or to find out more about participating, visit http://www.udtj.org/
muralarts.
Annual AbbeyFest features live music, vendors and family fun
The Daylesford Abbey, 220 S. Valley Road, Paoli will host 2023 AbbeyFest: Faith, Music and Family Festival, beginning at noon Saturday, Sept. 16.
The annual AbbeyFest is a festival featuring music, Catholic and Christian vendors, the presence of Religious Orders, food trucks, family and kid-friendly activities and games.
Priests will hear confessions throughout the day and evening.
There will also be opportunities for prayer with healing teams. This year’s AbbeyFest will feature musicians Matthew West and Riley Clemens, as well as AOH music, Village Lights, Gus DeSimone.
The event will conclude at 9:10 p.m. with a candlelight vigil. For tickets and more information, visit http://theabbeyfest.com.
New exhibit deConstruction to open at Community Arts Center
The Community Arts Center will present “deConstruction,” an exhibition of paintings, drawings, and photographs by Dr. Mashiul Chowdhury from Sept. 9 to Oct. 13 in the Duke Gallery.
Since Mashiul’s show, “Out of Context,” was held at CAC in 2014, Chowdhury has exhibited his work at many
galleries and led workshops both in the U.S. and in his native Bangladesh.
Mashiul is also an accomplished physician, who has taught at Drexel University School of Medicine and held positions at several health care systems in the Philadelphia area.
An opening reception is planned for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday Oct. 1.
The center is at 414 Plush Mill Road, Wallingford.
For more information or hours: 610-566-1713 or visit http://www.communityartscenter.org.
Tickets on sale for No Name Pops first Kimmel Center concert
“Let’s Groove Tonight:
Motown and The Philly Sound!” is the first Kimmel Center concert performed by the No Name Pops, composed of the former musicians of the Philly Pops.
It will take place on Oct. 28 at 3 and 8 p.m. in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center. Ticket prices begin at $41 and are available at http:// kimmelculturalcampus.org.
Conductor Herb Smith leads the full No Name Pops featuring special guests Chester Gregory, who played the role of Berry Gordon in Broadway’s “Motown the Musical,” Brik Liam and Ashley Jayy.
“Let’s Groove Tonight” symphonic experience presents Motown, Soul, R&B, as well as the famous hits of the Philly Sound with classic songs by artists like The Spinners, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Gamble & Huff, and The O’Jays. Some of the songs included will be “Me and Mrs.
Jones” sung by Billy Paul, Gamble & Huff’s “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” “Hurt so Bad” recorded by Little Anthony and Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out.”
Matthew Koveal, executive director of No Name Pops, says that the orchestra is appreciative of the tremendous support they have received since the orchestra launched in May 2023.
“Philadelphia deserves pops orchestral music in a straightforward, enjoyable experience,” Koveal stated. “The name No Name Pops signifies the absence of musical limitations and obstacles in our pursuit of collaborating with all artists. This approach ensures that our exceptional art form remains accessible to everyone.”