honors longtime volunteer

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer honored volunteer Jack Shein of Wynnewood last month at the nonprofit organization's second annual Lemon Ball in Philadelphia.

More than 650 people attended the fund-raiser, which raised $590,000 for childhood cancer research.

Shein, 87, has volunteered regularly for Alex's Lemonade Stand since 2005, when the Wynnewood-based group moved out of Liz and Jay Scott's home and into office space.

Shein arrives in the morning to stuff envelopes, as well as sort and pack merchandise. He breaks up his day by volunteering as a recess monitor at nearby Penn Wynne Elementary School. Once the youngsters return to class, Shein returns to the Lemonade Stand office.

The native of the Parkside section of Philadelphia has lived in Wynnewood with his wife, Bernice, for 40 years. They have four grown children.

Shein met Alexandra "Alex" Scott shortly before the 8-year-old died of cancer in 2004. Alex set up her first lemonade stand in 2000, and the organization she inspired has raised more than $17 million toward ending childhood cancer.

Tracy Smith, a Manhattan resident and correspondent for CBS News, and Ann Walsh of Windsor, Conn., also were honored at the ceremony for their support of Alex's Lemonade Stand.

For more information on the organization, visit www.alexslemonade.org.

Celebration of black history

planned in Upper Merion

The ninth annual Celebration of Black History will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Upper Merion Township Building, 175. W. Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia.

The event, organized by the Upper Merion Township Friends of Black History, will include an exhibit of histories and work by black authors, provided by the township's library.

Also scheduled are storytelling from 11 a.m. to noon; a sampling of African American and West African foods, noon to 1 p.m.; a Pan-African dance and drum performance, 1 to 2 p.m.; an African American music program with blues, jazz and gospel, 2 to 3 p.m.; and vendors selling jewelry, clothing and handicrafts throughout the day.

Karen Warrington, communications director for U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (D., Phila.), will speak from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Warrington also has been the press secretary for former Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode and a news director at WDAS AM/FM radio in Philadelphia.

She lectures and writes about the challenges facing the African American family and the need for African Americans to embrace and educate themselves about African traditions and culture.

Children's health group

plans benefit bowling event

Elwyn's Children's Behavioral Health Services will host its fifth annual Rock-N-Bowl Benefit from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at Wynnewood Lanes, 2228 Haverford Rd.

Proceeds will help support events and activities such as field trips, parties and special training for those aged 2 through 21 with social, emotional and behavioral challenges. The services are offered through the Middletown and Philadelphia centers of the nonprofit Elwyn organization.

To register, call Tracy Gilpin at 610-558-8100, Ext. 121. The event costs $30 per person and includes four hours of bowling, shoe rental and refreshments. Door prizes and raffles also will be offered at the annual fund-raiser. - Ed Mahon