Neumann University parties hearty in support of veterans

By Barbara Ann Zippi

Italians rock at Neumann University. Sue Serio of Fox TV 29 joins Lou Costello, 92.1 FM DJ, as they present Rockin’ with the Troops 2 produced by The Delaware County Historical Society on April 22 at 7 p.m. Executive Director Linda Mattia Houldin showcases The Duprees, The Tokens, The Brooklyn Bridge and The First Ladies of Rock and Soul at Neumann’s Mirenda Center on Convent Road in Aston, Pa. Recognized for their support of veterans, the honorees include Delaware County Councilman Dave White and Monroe Energy’s Adam Cattuso with a special tribute to outgoing President Rosalie Mirenda. For tickets visit www.padelcohistory.org or call (610) 359-0832. At 2 p.m. May 21, Neumann University’s Cultural Arts Forum presents “An Afternoon with Frank Sinatra and Friends” with Jack Giampalmi and the 17-piece Brass Tacks Orchestra. For tickets call (610) 558-5626.

George Strimel was longtime general manager of Radnor Studio 21.

John Ricciutti, acting general manager at Radnor Studio 21 public television, reports lots of changes. Longtime general manager and broadcast television pioneer 82-year-old George Strimel will be enjoying life traveling the world with his new bride but promises to “land” at the studio from time to time. A role model and mentor to many, George encouraged the idea of an Italian-themed locally produced television program and endorsed the show title: “Ciao Bella Living Italian Style.” Then he teamed me with “Giulia with a G,” his hand-picked producer/director at Radnor Studio, who is moving on to studio life at QVC. All this, plus a name change to Main Line Television at Radnor Studio 21.

Have you found REELZ TV yet? Look on your TV or online to find “InVincible — The True Story” on Delaware County’s favorite son and Eagles football legend Vince Papale. Showcasing why the world loves Papale, it provides the true story in the making of the Disney movie “Invincible” and family trials and accomplishments with wife Janet Cantwell Papale, a former United States gymnast and now Realtor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Former Philadelphia Eagle Vince Papale and his wife, Janet Cantwell Papale.

The 50th Reunion for the eighth-grade class of 1967 at St. Monica’s in South Philadelphia is set for May 12. For reunion tickets contact Perry Petrongola at (267) 446-0682.

The class picture for the Class of 1967 at
St. Monica Grammar School in Philadelphia.

The first male and secular president of Manor College, Jonathan Perri has started momentum and promises a transformation from a two-year to four-year institution. Hosting “An Evening at Manor” on April 20, according to Board of Trustees Chairwoman Anna Melnyk Allen, they will be celebrating their new brand “to convey the essence of who we are: an inclusive, embracing institution that helps students  to reach their great potential.”

Chef Dan Funk and Donald Moore at the Social Lounge in West Chester, Pa.

Sharing Italian restaurant news, we recently found chef Dan Brodeur sharpening his knives at Anthony’s in the IATSIE Ballroom in South Philadelphia, and Pica’s has opened its dining room at their West Chester location with the usual Frank Sr. mandate: “Customers First.” And we found another famous chef Dan when meeting owners father/son team Donald and Donny Moore and chef Dan Funk of The Social Lounge in West Chester. Wearing many hats, Italian American Donald Moore is co-founder at Calista Grand Salon & Spa and Calista Tools Hair Care Products available on QVC. Moore partnered his son with chef Dan Funk, formerly of New Orleans Cafe fame, and moved to their new location on Gay Street. There’s so much to see, eat and drink at this Southern Scratch Kitchen and Bar, and more to come on the story behind the glass-enclosed painting by Frank Sinatra!

Until next month, Ciao Bella!