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CHESTER — Delco Literacy, formerly known as the Delaware County Literacy Council, will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a festive birthday celebration, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Harrah’s Casino in Chester. The organization’s new name, announced as part of the milestone celebration, will usher in the next 50 years of service as a cornerstone of educational empowerment in Delaware County.
Under the theme “Fifty Colorful Years: Where Every Story Adds to Our Mosaic,” the organization will commemorate half a century of providing free, comprehensive literacy services throughout Delaware County.
The evening will feature an international food buffet, interactive games, live music, a special tribute to the organization’s volunteers, and an exciting raffle. Attendees will also enjoy birthday cake as part of the festivities.
“This milestone represents 50 years of community impact, thousands of lives changed, and countless stories of educational empowerment,” said Colleen Duran, executive director of Delco Literacy. “Our new name reflects our deep roots in Delaware County while providing a fresh, accessible identity as we move forward. We’re inviting the community to celebrate this achievement with us and help ensure our vital services continue for decades to come.”
For 50 years, the Delaware County Literacy Council has helped adults develop reading, writing, math, and English Language skills to help them thrive in the workplace and the community. The organization’s rebrand to Delco Literacy coincides with its 50th anniversary celebration and represents both a nod to its heritage and a forward-looking approach to the next half-century of service.
Delco Literacy offers free classes led by teachers and volunteer tutors online and in person. In addition to providing literacy instruction, Delco Literacy makes support services available to all students. Case managers work with the students to problem-solve any barriers to academic success and refer students to community resources as needed.
Delco Literacy employment coaches work individually with students to assess career interests and goals, create resumes, conduct job searches, enhance workplace skills, and apply for jobs so that students can obtain family-sustaining employment.
Delco Literacy’s main office is in Chester, but classes are also offered online and at schools and libraries throughout the county.
Over the past five decades, Delco Literacy has helped almost 20,000 men and women reach their literacy goals. The organization is committed to creating a community of lifelong learners in Delaware County.
Tickets for the 50th anniversary event are $85, with $10 from each ticket going directly to the Delco Gives fundraising campaign. All proceeds support Delco Literacy’s mission to provide free literacy services to residents throughout Delaware County.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available on the organization’s website at www.delcoliteracy.org.
Community Arts Center to hold Magic Ball spring fundraising event
The Community Arts Center in Wallingford will hold its annual spring fundraising event, the Magic Ball Art Party, from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at CAC, 414 Plush Mill Road.
A VIP reception will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. in the 1892 Ballroom.
The event, celebrating the magic of the circle, will honor guest J. Rossi, a former president of the CAC board of directors, who has been deeply involved with and supportive of the organization in a variety of ways over the last decade.
The ticket price for the evening includes open bar and the menu will include vegetarian and gluten free options prepared by Jeffrey Miller Catering. Attendees are encouraged to have fun and use their creativity by dressing in magical and mystical cocktail attire.
Performers from The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts will perform at several points during the event. Magicians from the International Brotherhood of Magic will be performing roaming magic tableside entertainment, and in small groups throughout the evening. Music will be curated by DJ Joe Foley.
Another feature of the event will be a silent auction of art, experiences and other items. The auction will take place online, through BiddingOwl.com. Advance bidding will open online approximately a week before the event and will conclude with online bidding during the event.
Raffle tickets for a trip for two to London and Stonehenge will also be sold for $100. Only 100 tickets will be sold. Stop in or call the CAC office at 610-566-1713 to purchase raffle tickets.
General Admission tickets are $80, VIP tickets are $150 and will feature a special aerialist performance, remarks by Rossi, wine service, signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Tickets may be purchased online at https://communityartscenter.org/24243-2 and via phone at 610-566-1713. Learn more information about the event and get directions to CAC by calling.
Media Walk of Fame Committee is accepting nominations
Media Borough’s Walk of Fame Committee is now accepting nominations for its Walk of Fame.
The honor celebrates the lasting contributions of deceased borough residents, business owners, and community organizations who made a significant impact on the community. Everyone is welcome to submit a nomination, if they know someone whose legacy deserves recognition.
Letters of nomination can be sent by April 11 to: Karen Repino, Media Borough, 301 N. Jackson St., Media, PA 19063, or karen@mediaborough.com.
Upper Darby-Lansdowne Rotary and friends pitch-in on cleanups
Members of the Upper Darby-Lansdowne Rotary Club, assisted by members of the Upper Darby High School Interact Club and Cheng’s Martial Arts of Upper Darby, spent the morning March 22 picking up trash on Lansdowne Avenue from Marshall Road in Lansdowne to State Road in Upper Darby.
“Service Above Self” is a motto that Rotarians have lived by for more than a century and those words still describe the way that Rotarians live today. The UD-L Rotary Club meets regularly for fellowship and to learn about the community and plan community service events.
New members are accepted all year, at any time. For more than 90 years, the Rotary Club has been serving and supporting local communities. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and careers.
The UD-L club is a part of Rotary District 7450, which has 50 local clubs that believe “it starts with a commitment to service above self.” In more than 34,000 clubs of International Rotary worldwide, members volunteer at home and abroad to support education and job training, provide clean water, combat hunger, improve health and sanitation and eradicate polio.
Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary should contact Ryan Stone, Upper Darby-Lansdowne Rotary Club president at 484-688-3073.
Schoolhouse runs trip to murder mystery luncheon at Bube’s Brewery
Schoolhouse Center in Folsom is hosting a trip to Bube’s Brewery in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, for a Murder Mystery Luncheon, on Thursday, April 17. The bus will leave Schoolhouse at 600 Swarthmore Ave., Folsom, at 9:30 a.m.
The all-inclusive price is $139, and includes a midday meal in an intriguing and historic setting, as well as the opportunity to unravel a thrilling mystery.
For more information, or to reserve a spot on the trip, call Judi Haines at 610-405-9376 or Mary Lou Hagan at 856-316-2615.
Delaware County Symphony to present Chamber Concert for All Ages
The annual Chamber Concert for All Ages will be presented at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6 in Meagher Theatre at Neumann University in Aston.
The concert will feature the Chamber Series Winner of the Youth Concerto Competition and include lighthearted pieces from P.D.Q. Bach, the DCS Percussion Ensemble and more.
Along with the playful tunes, featured selections will include “Schleptet in E Flat Major” and “Suite No.1 for Cello All By Its Lonesome” by P.D.Q. Bach; as well as chopsticks, and “Hora Staccato” with percussion.
Guest conductor Dr. Roberta Winemiller will again lead the Delaware County Symphony Chamber Ensemble with performances that include a “Surprise” and a “Farewell” from Haydn.
Also, Kenny Mellon, the Chamber Series Winner from the DCS Youth Concerto Competition, will play the “Clarinet Sonata” from Francis Poulenc. The concert will conclude with help from the audience for a performance of Ravel’s “Bolero,” inspired by humorist, songwriter, and children’s author, Sandra Boynton.
Tickets for the concert may be purchased at http://dcsmusic.org/tickets.
Ridley Township Library announces special April programs including chocolate, history and health care
Ridley Township Library, 100 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom, will hold a spring bake swap, with a prize for the best treat at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. Other programs in April include:
• “Senior Home Safety: How to Age Gracefully at Home and Avoid Falls” at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5. The program will be led by longtime patron and retired RN Joyce McNally.
• Chocolate Tasting, led by Estelle Tracy, chocolate sommelier of 37 Chocolates, that will take place on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 14. After people register, they will get a discount to purchase a chocolate sampler to use for the event.
• Denise Lynch, tech coach, trainer and troubleshooter of Customized Tech Solutions, will present a “computer basics” course, 4 p.m. Monday, April 14, to which all are welcome.
• For history lovers, former guest Dr. Steve Phillips will return to the library, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 to discuss the opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum with a video tour.
• Mike Fernandes, clinic director of Kinetic Movement Reimagined, with his program, “The Truth About Low Back Pain,” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 27.
• Local author Karen Marshall will be at the library to discuss her book, “Finding My Father’s Footsteps: A Journey Within the Battlefields of WWII,” 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29.
Registration is required for all of these programs at http://RidleyLibrary.org, or by calling the library at 610-583-0593.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.
