ASTON — Neumann University’s annual Alumni Association Awards, presented on March 11, recognized five residents of Delaware County.
Sr. Linda DeCero, OSF, a resident of Aston, received the President’s Distinguished Alumni Award, which is presented to a graduate whose career is characterized by continuous and exemplary contributions to society through research, practice, education or service.
Sister DeCero joined the campus ministry staff at Neumann in 1996, earned her master’s in pastoral care and counseling in 2001, and has been the director of pastoral ministry since 2007.
In her years at Neumann, DeCero has created numerous retreats, evenings of reflection, and mission-integrated events for students. She has also served as chaplain for numerous athletic teams and organizations and as an adviser to scholarship recipients.
She has been a board member for the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation and was inducted into the university’s athletics hall of fame in 2017.
Tasliym Morales of Chester was presented with the Spirit of Francis and Clare Award, which recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated a commitment to the Catholic Franciscan tradition and values.
Currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration at Thomas Edison State University, Morales is the founder of the INVITErmental Consulting Group, a firm that uses a holistic approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She earned her MS in organizational and strategic leadership in 2013.
Her advocacy and activism focus on creating equitable and accessible educational opportunities for children in lower-wealth ZIP codes, tackling the Pennsylvania sentencing structure that disproportionately affects people of color, and addressing “intellectual poverty” as a means of eradicating biases and prejudices.
Lori Simons of Newtown Square was recognized with the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Education Distinguished Alumni Award. A professor of psychology at Widener University, Simons earned her undergraduate degree at Neumann in the same field in 1991. She is an educational psychologist, licensed professional counselor, and advanced alcohol and drug counselor.
An author and speaker, Simons focuses her research on the effect of high-impact teaching practices on learning cultural competence and civic engagement. More than 60 undergraduate students have co-presented and co-authored manuscripts with her. Simons also serves in leadership roles in service-learning programs for faculty and the internship program for psychology majors.
Katrina Terry of Upper Darby took home the Young Alumni Achievement Award. After graduating in 2017 with a BS in biology, in the clinical laboratory science track, Terry started her career as a medical laboratory scientist at Delaware County Memorial Hospital before becoming a field services engineer for Cytek Biosciences in 2021.
The company’s flow cytometry analyzers are installed globally in labs that focus on research topics such as cancer, regenerative medicine, sickle cell medications, and more. Cytek analyzers can be found in GSK, J&J, and Merck laboratories as well as academic labs. Terry is currently one of three people in North America able to perform a flow cell replacement on Cytek’s ImageStream, an imaging flow cytometer.
Malcolm Yates, of Marcus Hook, accepted the Alumni Association Recognition Award, which is presented to an outstanding graduate who has shown dedication and devoted service to Neumann University. Yates is the first government relations chief for the Public Health Management Corp., a nonprofit public health institute that builds healthier communities through partnerships with governments, foundations, businesses, and community-based organizations.
His career in public affairs was inspired by the Philadelphia crossfire killing of his 5-year-old brother, Marcus. More than 30 years later, he led the Delaware County Black Caucus’ crusade for justice for Fanta Bility, an 8-year-old shot by police in 2021. Yates earned his MS in organizational and strategic leadership in 2016.
For more information on Neumann University, go to: http://Neumann.edu.
Holy Myrrh-Bearers Church to have Shroud of Turin replica on view this week
Holy Myrrh-Bearers Ukrainian Catholic Church, 900 Fairview Road, Swarthmore, will provide a special opportunity for people to come and view a Vatican-authorized replica of the Shroud of Turin, from March 24 to March 28. The church will be open for meditation and veneration of the Shroud. The special event is free to the public.
The replica, measuring almost 15 feet by 4 feet, is an exact replica of the Shroud of Turin that is housed in Turin, Italy. Not everyone may get the chance to see the Shroud in Italy, but this exhibit provides the opportunity to view the Shroud and witness the Passion of Our Lord as maybe never before.
The Shroud of Turin is a linen cloth bearing the image of a man who appears to have been physically hurt in a manner consistent with crucifixion. It is kept in the royal chapel of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Turin, Italy. How and when the Shroud and its image were created is the subject of intense debate among scientists, believers, historians and researchers.
The cloth is woven in a 3-to-1 herringbone twill composed of flax fibrils. Its most distinct characteristic is the faint yellowish image of a front and back view of a naked man with his hands folded across his groin.
The “man of the Shroud” has a beard, moustache and shoulder length hair parted in the middle.
Reddish brown stains that have been said to contain whole blood are found on the cloth, showing various wounds that correlate with the yellowish image, the pathophysiology of crucifixion, and the Biblical description of the death of Jesus.
The church will be open to view the replica, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.
A Divine Liturgy is planned for Tuesday, the Feast of the Annunciation, at 6 p.m.
The Rosary will be prayed at noon on Wednesday and the Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified gifts is planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Stations of the Cross will be presented at noon Friday.
Holy Myrrh Bearers will offer a presentation on the Shroud daily at 11 a.m., and 3 and 5 p.m., and also at 6 p.m. on Friday. The church is handicapped accessible.
For more information, call 610- 544-1215 or mail: HMBChurch@verizon.net.
Knights of Columbus to hold comedy-filled bingo at O’Hara
The Knights of Columbus Mater Dei Council #4129 invites the community to a fun-filled evening of bingo games and excitement at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26 at Cardinal O’Hara High School. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Those attending can enjoy the comedy and music of Greg Martiello, while playing their favorite game.
Ticket includes 10 games, with three cards per game. Additional games and daubers will be available at registration. Snacks and soft drinks will be for sale, or attendees can BYOB or order food from local sponsor restaurants.
For tickets and details go to https://bingoknight.org. Proceeds will benefit various Knights’ charities.
Elam UM Church to hold children’s spring clothing sale
Elam United Methodist Church, 1073 Smithbridge Road, Glen Mills, will hold its Spring Children’s Clothing Turnabout event Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29.
The consignment sale of children’s clothing, shoes and toys will feature half-priced items on Saturday. For sale hours or to find out how to register as a consignor, go to www.facebook.com/ElamUMC or call the church at 610-459-2911.
Prepare to be amazed at Tinicum Library’s special April presentations
Tinicum Memorial Public Library, 620 Seneca St., Essington, will present Thom Wall: Master of Modern Vaudeville at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9.
Everyone is welcome to the special presentation, in celebration of National Library Week, featuring an exceptional performance by master of modern vaudeville, Thom Wall.
A former soloist with Cirque du Soleil, Wall energizes the crowd with his sharp wit, electrifying stunts and charming demeanor. The audience should prepare to be dazzled by this amazing juggling comedian. A staunch supporter of libraries, Wall donates copies of his books to every library where he performs.
Tinicum library will present Wizardry and Wine at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 23.
Adults ages 21 and older are invited to a night of illusions performed by seasoned professional magician, Mike Rose.
This is definitely not a typical magic show. Historical facts and tidbits about magic’s past make the show fascinating, engaging and fun.
Wine and cheese will be served, and attendees are encouraged to drink responsibly.
The library reserves the right to limit wine consumption. Minors will not be admitted to the event.
Registration required for both library events at http://tinicumlibrary.org/events. For questions or more information, call the library at 610-521-9344.
PAC Center to host ’90s Throwback Delco Dance
It’s a Friday night in Swarthmore in 1996 and you’re in seventh grade.
You throw on your favorite wide-leg jeans and your best pair of Vans and head to the Swarthmore Community Center to meet all your friends at the Grapevine dance. For those who grew up in the area in the 90s, the Grapevine dance was an institution.
The Park Avenue Community Center, 129 Park Ave., Swarthmore, is bringing back those old school vibes with Delco Dance – Throwback to the ’90s, from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 5.
The event will feature the best ’90s tunes for hitting the floor at this adults-only event. Everyone must be 21 and older to attend. Plenty of reminiscing and fun activities will be on hand for all generations who want to attend.
Everyone is encouraged to wear their best ’90s gear — or pick some up at Swarthmore’s Lunch Break Vintage — and bring their friends to “jump around.”
Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks will be provided free of charge but attendees can feel free to BYOB. Tickets are $20 if paid in advance and $25 at the door.
To learn more about events at the PAC of Swarthmore, go to: http://thepac.center or www.facebook.com/pacswarthmore.
Fava Ristorante’s Cheers for Charity dinner to benefit Chichester Library
Fava Ristorante Italiano,1102 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, hosts Cheers for Charity on the last Wednesday of each month. The Upper Chichester Library was nominated to be honored this month at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 26.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy a four-course meal, paired with wines from Argentina with guest sommelier, Hudson Austin. Proceeds benefit the Chichester Library.
Tickets are $80, with limited space available. To attend, RSVP to the library at 610-485-0200 or to Fava at 484-840-8603.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.
