Community Briefs: Actress brings Phillis Wheatley to life at Neumann University

ASTON — Through the acting skills of Dr. Daisy Century, Delaware County residents can meet Phillis Wheatley, a slave who became an American poet, on Thursday, Feb. 10, at Neumann University. Century will portray Wheatley in a program entitled “The Life of Phillis Wheatley: Literary Genius” at 1:30 p.m. in the Meagher Theatre.

Wheatley (c. 1753-1784), a young slave girl, lived in the Boston area during the Revolutionary War. Brought to America from Cambia, Africa, she was purchased by the wealthy Wheatley family as a playmate for their children.

Eager to learn, she successfully mastered English, Latin and Greek. She studied the works of Pope, Virgil, Homer, and Ovid and began to write poetry with themes based on everyday events and broader national issues — from weddings and deaths to freedom and independence.

The publication in London of her “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral” on Sept. 1, 1773, brought her fame both in England and the American colonies.

According to the Poetry Foundation, “Her name was a household word among literate colonists and her achievements a catalyst for the fledgling antislavery movement.”

General George Washington met her and admired her work. She is known as the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry in America.

Daisy Century is an actor, speaker, author, and radio talk show host. She is also a middle school science teacher and holds BS, MEd, and EdD degrees.

As an actor, she has appeared in lead roles in independent movies and as an extra in “Beloved,” “Sixth Sense,” and  “Twelve Monkeys.

Century has traveled across the country, portraying historical characters, including Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Mary Fields, Phillis Wheatley, and Bessie Coleman.

The event is sponsored by the Cultural Arts Forum at Neumann. Admission is $10, and masks are required for the audience. Proceeds benefit the Dr. Margaret Mary Kearney student scholarship fund, which assists non-traditional students at the university.

To see the full schedule of cultural events at Neumann, visit http://www.neumann.edu/arts.

CIAO Delco seeks vendors for Italian American Festival

The Coalition of Italian American Organizations of Delaware Valley will present the 12th Annual Italian American Heritage Festival in Rose Tree Park, Upper Providence, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 5. CIAO is searching for vendors who want to participate or advertise in the program guide. All funds raised for the festival, help to run the festival, pay for entertainment and benefit local charities.

The festival will feature fine Italian food, desserts, live music, games, entertainment, a kids’ field of fun, bocce tournament, Italian car show and much more.

Vendors can find more information about participating at http://www.ciaodelco.org.

Delaware County recognizes February as Black History Month

Delaware County Council recognized February as Black History Month in Delaware County during its Feb. 2 public meeting.

Each February, Americans observe Black History Month, which was founded by Carter G. Woodson, the son of former slaves, and the “Father of Black History,” to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize the central role they had in shaping U.S. history.

Delaware County is fortunate to have numerous members of the community, schools, organizations, and faith-based groups who work to educate, celebrate, and promote black history and culture through education and the arts.

“County council is proud to recognize the accomplishments of African Americans throughout our history, who have helped move our country toward a more equal and just society,” said Delaware County Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “This month, we celebrate the men and women, across the nation and here in Delaware County, who struggled and sacrificed to guarantee freedom and rights for the children and grandchildren of the future.”
The contributions of African Americans and their endeavors to learn and thrive throughout history and make unforgettable marks in our nation as artists, scientists, educators, business people, influential thinkers, members of the faith community, athletes, and political and governmental leaders, reflects the greatness of our country.

Seniors can sign up to learn more about smart devices

Friendship Circle Senior Center, located on the campus parking lot of Trinity-Mercy Catholic Hospital, is scheduling individual help sessions that will give people the basic foundation to operate their smart devices like cell phones and tablets and learn more about technology. The sessions will go over terminology, screens, apps and more.

One-on-one technology classes will allow attendees to sit down with an Senior Community Services  tech administrator and ask questions about using their smart device.

Individual 30-minute appointments are open, 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16 and 10-11 a.m. March 23, 30.
To sign up or for more information, contact coordinator Roberta Muche at rmuche@scs-delco.org or 484-453-2033. Friendship Circle Senior Center is one of the four accredited SCS senior centers.

Tickets available for Harrah’s Super Bowl party

Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester will host a Super Bowl LVI Epic Gameday party in Caesar’s Sportsbook with the best seats in the house and an all-you can-eat buffet, 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13.

The buffet will include a fan-favorite menu of soft pretzels, build-your-own cheesesteaks, nacho bar, chicken tenders and other snacks and desserts. A cash bar will be available.

Harrah’s is at 777 Harrah’s Blvd. For tickets or more information, log onto http://harrahsphilly.com.

Upper Providence Township welcomes new Township Manager

Upper Providence Township recently welcomed Don Vymazal as the new Township Manager. Vymazal began work at the township on Jan. 24.

Don Vymazal is no stranger to municipal government.

Prior to joining Upper Providence Township, Vymazal worked 17 years in the Pennsylvania Senate. During his time working for three State Senators in Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties, Vymazal was involved in a variety of projects including constituent services and grant management. Primarily, he worked with municipal level organizations as a liaison between residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and local officials.
Vymazal said he was aware of Upper Providence Township and its commitment to community focused public service because he lives close by in Chester County.

Upper Providence Township is home to about 10,000 residents. The township includes Rose Tree Park and part of the Springton Reservoir.

Aston bingo offers cash prizes

The Friends of the Aston Library will hold bingo 6-9 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at the Aston Community Center, 3270 Concord Road. Admission is $25 at the door and includes cash prizes, food, raffles, supplies and special games.

Public invited to learn more about birds and trees

The public is invited to take a Bird Walk with Emily Dodge and Chuck Root at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. The educational walk with one of the Refuge’s knowledgeable volunteers will be at a relaxed pace on flat surfaces. Discover over 300 species of birds that use the Refuge during their migration routes. Each week bird watchers are guaranteed to see different species.

Everyone who wishes to attend the walk should meet at the Visitor Center by 9 a.m. There are restrooms and a water fountain near the trailhead. No registration is required.

A Winter Tree ID Walk N’ Talk with Robb Kerr and Jeff Cooney will be held 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 at the Refuge. Everyone is welcome to come learn how to identify trees with Jeff and Robb at this seasonal workshop. The instructors will focus on learning how to identify tree using bark patterns and other signs found in winter. This workshop will start off in the classroom to examine samples for approximately an hour and then continue on a walk to try the newly acquired skills in the field. Dressing in layers and sturdy shoes is recommended.

For more information or directions, visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/john_heinz.

Readers can email community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.