Community news of Delaware County
ASTON — Neumann University will host a free screening of "The Arc of Oblivion," at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27 in the Bruder Life Center.
"Arc," a film by Emmy-nominated director Ian Cheney, explores a quirk of humanity. In a universe that erases its tracks, the film asks the question: Why are humans determined to leave a trace?
Set against the backdrop of the filmmaker's quest to build an ark in Maine, the film playfully investigates the universal desire to preserve memories and achievements.
Cheney's physical ark is his challenge to the arc of time, which tends to bury even significant human accomplishments. Archaeologists can attest to the truth of buried cultures.
From a field in Maine, the film heads to salt mines in the Alps, fjords in the arctic, and ancient libraries in the Sahara to illuminate the strange world of archives, record keeping and memory.
The film weaves stop-motion animation and spellbinding cinematography with fascinating interviews from experts in the fields of science, culture and art to address the enduring question of what information deserves preservation.
Cheney encourages audiences to ponder what in this world is worth saving and whether anything can last. Neumann faculty members will lead a discussion after the film.
Cheney has directed documentaries about urban agriculture in New York City, the unhealthy abundance of corn in the American diet, light pollution and the terraforming of Mars. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Yale University.
To reserve a seat : www.eventbrite.com/e/neumann-inspires-off-fest-film-screening-the-arc-of-oblivion-tickets-996397149697.
The event is the first of three screenings sponsored by the Neumann Inspires Film Festival, which is scheduled for April 4-5, 2025.
Lafayette's visit to Chester to be commemorated with 2 Delco events
The Chester Historical Preservation Committee sponsors two events this fall commemorating Marquis de Layfette's 1824 visit to the Chester area.
The committee will welcome author Tim McGrath to the Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, for "Founding Friendships: James Monroe and Marquis de Lafayette," chronicling President James Monroe's invitation to the Revolutionary War hero to return to the United States.
A Delaware County resident, McGrath's latest book is "James Monroe: A Life." The event is free; donations will be accepted.
The committee will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's visit to Chester from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the 1724 Courthouse, 412 Avenue of the States, Chester.
The event will feature children's amusements on the street, tours of the courthouse, which is currently under restoration for its 300th anniversary, and a 2:30-3 p.m. presentation from author Bruce Mowday, author of "Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero."
In the event of rain, children's activities will move to the Community Room of Chester City Hall.
Everyone is welcome. For more information, visit the calendar page at www.chesterpreservation.org .
Italian American clubs host fundraiser for Communities of Don Guanella/Divine Providence
Associazione Regionale Abruzzese Delco and Delaware Valley will hold their 16th annual fundraiser dinner to benefit The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence and the new Italian Cultural Center of the Delaware Valley in Tinicum on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 2 to 6 p.m. at The Phoenix Ballroom, 1661 Mill Road, Upper Chichester.
Actor Chris Burke again will be the special guest. Burke graduated from Don Guanella School in 1986 and went on to an acting career that began in 1987 in the ABC TV movie "Desperate."
Network executives at ABC were impressed by his performance in "Desperate" and created "Life Goes On" with Burke's character, Charles "Corky" Thatcher, as the main role. Corky was the first character with Down syndrome in a network television series.
Burke's revolutionary role conveyed a realistic portrayal of people with Down syndrome and changed the way audiences viewed people with disabilities. "Life Goes On," which aired from 1989 to 1993, propelled Burke into fame and wide recognition, and he went on to more roles and opportunities.
Cost for the fundraiser dinner is $45 for adults and $15 for children age 7 to 12, and free for younger children and all residents of Don Guanella and Divine Providence. Ticket price includes buffet dinner, desserts, coffee, wine and beer.
All tickets are sold in advance and space is limited so guests are advised to get tickets soon. None will be sold at the door.
For tickets, or to donate raffle baskets and other prizes, contact Rose Patton at 610-505-4599 or Nick Rapagnani at 610-212-9888.
DCCC hosts Fareed Simpson Quartet during Delco Arts Week
Delaware County Community College will celebrate Delco Arts Week with a performance by the Fareed Simpson Quintet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26 in the Large Auditorium in the Academic Building, at the College's Marple Campus, 910 South Media Line Road., Media.
Fareed Simpson-Hankins is a Philadelphia-born trumpet player, composer, educator and bandleader whose music is inspired by the sound of Miles Davis, the technical virtuosity of Dizzy Gillespie, the soulfulness of Lee Morgan, the confidence of Freddie Hubbard, and the joy and spirit of Louis Armstrong.
The band performs a wide range of repertoire, including Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and more. Every member of the band is based in the soulful and swinging Philly Jazz traditions. The band has been featured at The Kimmel Center, the Rite of Swing Jazz Cafe, and at the Producers Guild summer jazz festival.
The performance is the first in the college's 2024-25 Live Music Series, which provides musical experiences that enrich the lives of students, faculty, staff, and community. Its mission is to provide events that showcase the highest standards of artistic excellence across a diverse range of genres, from classical and jazz to contemporary and world music.
Tickets are $10 general admission, and free to students. For tickets, visit .
Delco authority partners with Delco Commerce Center
Earlier this year, the Delaware County Authority (DCA) voted to move its administrative operations under the Delaware County Commerce Center.
This integrates the DCA into Delaware County Economic Development, providing the authority with professional staff and aligning it with broader economic growth initiatives in the region.
The transition is expected to yield significant savings, with an estimated $43,000 in cost reductions for 2024 alone, primarily through shared staff time and the integration of resources such as internet, phone services and office supplies. Projected savings for 2025 are anticipated to reach approximately $60,000.
The DCA, originally incorporated as the Delaware County Hospital Authority in 1974, has a long-standing history of supporting educational and medical institutions throughout the county.
The authority is empowered to facilitate the financing of buildings and facilities for hospitals, health centers, colleges, universities, and secondary schools, playing a vital role in the development of these essential community services.
Over the past four decades, the DCA has been committed to fiscal conservatism, maintaining a focus on reducing administrative fees and supporting the county's health and educational infrastructure.
"Bringing the Delaware County Authority's administrative operations under the Delaware County Commerce Center umbrella increases our financial sustainability through significant annual savings on our operating costs," said DCA Chairman Arlin Green. "This integration allows us to better align our resources and focus on supporting our local educational and medical facilities, which are vital pillars for economic growth in our community."
This strategic realignment marks a significant step forward in enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of Delaware County's economic development efforts, ensuring that the Delaware County Authority remains a vital force in fostering growth and opportunity throughout the region.
"This partnership allows the Delaware County Commerce Center to leverage its expertise and resources to better serve DCA's mission, across all of Delaware County's economic development authorities," said Laura Goodrich Cairns, Delaware County Commerce Center's executive director. "By streamlining operations, we strengthen our focus on initiatives that support the county's critical industry sectors. This is a win for the community and our broader economic growth strategy for the county."
Media-Upper Providence Library offers free qigong classes
Free qigong classes are coming to the Media Upper providence Library starting with an introductory session on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 2 to 3 p.m. Qigong, pronounced "chi gong," was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine.
It involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being.
Classes will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 25 through Nov. 20, with the exception of Oct. 16, at the Media-Upper Providence Free Library, 1 East Front St., Media.
The classes will be taught by Rona Cordish Satten, who has practiced and taught Qigong locally and internationally for over 20 years.
Those new to the practice and students at all levels of Qigong experience and movement ability are welcome.
To learn more, attend the introductory class on Sept. 25. Anyone with further questions, can call the Library at 610-566-1918.
Prospect Park to hold community day
The Borough of Prospect Park will hold its community day from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 in Park Square.
Sponsored by the Prospect Park Recreation Board, the event will feature a large slide and maze, face painting, games for all ages, food trucks, live music and more.
Slavic Food Festival features flea market and craft fair
Holy Myrrh-Bearers Church, 900 Fairview Road, Ridley Township, will host a communitywide outdoor flea market, craft fair and Slavic food festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21.
The rain date will be Saturday, Sept. 28. Individuals and families selling nonfood items can rent a space for $25. Set-up begins at 7:30 a.m.
In addition to the outdoor vendors, Slavic foods and baked goods will be available inside the parish hall, along with a basket raffle. For more information, call 610-544-1215 or email Credit Union expands into Chester County
Propell Credit Union, formerly known as BHCU, marked a significant milestone this month, with the grand opening of its first Chester County branch in West Chester.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at 1 N. Five Points Road, was well-attended, with strong support from the local business community and civic leaders.
The event, hosted in partnership with the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, underscored Propell's commitment to fostering economic growth across both counties.
West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste and state Rep. Chris Pielli attended the ribbon cutting, joining in celebrating the credit union's expansion. Gary Golden, CEO of Propell, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from the community.
"Seeing the strong turnout today is a testament to the value our new location will bring to the area," Golden said. "We look forward to providing services and products that promote financial well-being for our members."
The ceremony emphasized cooperation between the two chambers of commerce, symbolizing a unified effort to support the region's businesses.
Katie Walker, president of the Greater West Chester Chamber, and Trish McFarland, president of the Delaware County Chamber, were among the distinguished guests who echoed that sentiment.
With the ribbon officially cut, Propell Credit Union is poised to deliver its unique blend of financial services to the Chester County community, just as it does in Delaware County.
It will continue its mission to cut through the red tape of traditional banking and support local businesses and families in their journey toward financial independence.
For more details about Propell Credit Union and its offerings, visit www.propellcu.org.
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