They’re off at St. Anselm’s
Division 17 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians is sponsoring a “Night at the Races” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, at St. Anselm’s Church, 12670 Dunks Ferry Road.
There will be horse racing, poker and wheels. $20 admission includes beer, soda and food. ••
Santa will ride the El
The big guy in a red suit will be riding SEPTA’s Market-Frankford line on Friday, Nov. 28. Catch the Jolly Old Elf when the “Santa Express” leaves the Frankford Transportation Center at 10:05 a.m.
The train is expected to reach the 15th Street subway station at 10:29 a.m.
For more information, visit www.septa.org/events/santa.html ••
Klein JCC to host health fair
The “Share the Love” free health and nutrition fair will run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 4, at the Klein JCC, 10100 Jamison Ave. For information, call 215–698–7300 or visit www.kleinjcc.org. ••
The big guy will be at the library
Santa Claus will visit the Holmesburg branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 7810 Frankford Ave., from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8.
Holiday crafts and cookies are available while parents and children wait to see Santa. Don’t forget your camera. For information, call 215–685–8756. ••
SEPTA announces holiday schedule
SEPTA will operate modified transit schedules on Thanksgiving Day and Friday, Nov. 27 and 28. A complete list of service adjustments is available online at http://septa.org/service/holiday-service.html
Here are some highlights:
On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27:
Regional Rail, buses, trolleys and the Norristown High Speed Line will operate on a Sunday/Holiday Schedule.
Detours will be in effect on routes 2, 7, 17, 27, 31, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, 124 and 125 due to the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Routes 204, 205, 310, 312 and 316 will not operate.
Service on the Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines will operate on a special schedule. All night train service will be available beginning Thursday at 12:01 a.m. Regular Owl Bus service will resume Friday at 12:01 a.m.
Additional late-evening trips to the Philadelphia Premium Outlets have been added on bus route 93 to accommodate holiday shoppers.
On Black Friday, Nov. 28:
Service on Regional Rail, Broad Street, Market-Frankford and Norristown High Speed Line will operate on a normal weekday schedule.
Many SEPTA Bus and Trolley Routes will operate on a modified weekday schedule. Specific route service information is available on printed timetables and at www.septa.org
Additional trips will be added to bus routes 14, 20, 25, 50, 123, 124 and 125 to accommodate holiday shoppers. ••
There’s help in keeping warm this winter
To help keep heaters working and the lights on through winter, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione advises low-income Pennsylvanians to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP. The application window for the federally funded grants will remain open until April 3.
LIHEAP can help people pay for emergency repairs, such as frozen pipes or the threatened termination of electrical service, through crisis grants, Tartaglione said. The program delivered $14.3 million in grants last winter.
Standard cash grants up to $1,000 are available per applicant. The grants are paid directly to a utility or vendor such as PECO. Emergency grants can be as large as $500.
Income limits apply. A single household must not exceed $17,505 annually. Income maximums increase by $6,090 for each additional resident of the property. For information, call 215–533–0440. ••
Business card exchange on Dec. 3
Kaplan Career Institute will host the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s Joint Annual Holiday Business Card Exchange on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Dave & Buster’s Sports Café, 1995 Franklin Mills Circle, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The networking event will be held in conjunction with the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce. Admission is free to members and prospective members of both organizations. Business cards will be requested upon entry. Dave & Buster’s will serve refreshments.
The Kaplan Franklin Mills campus was founded in 1981 as CHI Institute, with computer systems technology classes starting in the spring of 1982. In the following years, programs were added in response to local education needs.
In October 2007, the Franklin Mills campus relocated from Southampton. In January 2012, CHI Institute changed its name to Kaplan Career Institute.
Kaplan offers accelerated programs that combine flexible schedules and professional instruction.
Call 215–332–3400 or visit www.gnpcc.org ••
Whole lotta holiday LOVE in Center City
The Christmas Village will again transform Philadelphia’s LOVE Park at 15th Street and JFK Boulevard starting on Thanksgiving and continuing through Dec. 28. The Christmas Village is an open-air, German-style market where visitors can shop for high-quality international and locally produced gifts and decorations.
Visitors will enjoy holiday sights and sounds with thousands of twinkling lights, the LOVE Park Christmas tree, live music, children’s activities and photos with Santa Claus. Warm mulled wine and hot cocoa will be available to stave off the seasonal chill, as will European and American food and drink. Admission is free.
Spread the cheer by following @philachristmas on Twitter, liking Christmas Village on Facebook and visiting www.philachristmas.com. ••
Business association to honor members
The Frankford Business and Professional Association will celebrate its members and their community accomplishments as well as those of community leaders during a dinner on Friday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Frankford Historical Society, 1507 Orthodox St.
The event is free for FBPA members, and $20 for nonmembers. Call 215–743–6580. ••
Neilson introduces wage tax refund measure
City Councilman Ed Neilson on Nov. 20 introduced an ordinance that affords a wage tax refund to veterans of the United States armed forces who choose to serve the city as a police officer, firefighter, paramedic or correctional officer. If approved by Council and signed by the mayor, this tax incentive would help elevate and maintain a qualified first responder workforce that includes veterans.
Veterans who make an immeasurable sacrifice in their service to the country deserve assistance finding employment and establishing a stable life for themselves and their families. Returning veterans offer skills that set them apart in the jobs market such as discipline, leadership, specialized training and practical experience in fields like healthcare and information technology.
Joe Schulle, president of the city’s firefighters and paramedics union; John McNesby, president of the city’s police officers union; and Lorenzo North, president of District Council 33 Local 159 representing correctional officers, each support the legislation. ••
Rep. Kevin Boyle collecting food for needy
With many families in the Northeast unable to buy enough food for themselves, local food pantries play a vital role in mitigating hunger. In response to this need, the constituent service offices of state Rep. Kevin Boyle are conducting a Holiday Food Drive to benefit local pantries.
Nonperishable food items may be dropped at either of Boyle’s 172nd District offices in Mayfair (7420 Frankford Ave.) or Fox Chase (7801-A Hasbrook Ave.) from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ••
Diaper Drive is a success
After a successful community diaper drive recently, state Rep. James Clay, D-Phila., is thanking district residents for their support and is encouraging continued generosity throughout the holiday season.
“Nationwide, about one in three mothers will have trouble providing diapers for their children,” Clay said. “Families across our state are looking for relief and drives like this one can make a real difference.”
Clay said he owed the success of the diaper drive to community partners, and that he was grateful for their support. All diapers collected at the drive were provided to the Center for Leadership, Development and Advocacy and Nana’s Legacy. ••
Grant to be used for Friends property
State Rep. James Clay Jr., (D-179th dist.) announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority has awarded a $150,000 grant to Natural Lands Trust Inc. Clay said the funding will be used to purchase 49 acres of streamside lands on the Friends Hospital Property, which is currently owned by the Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation.
The land will help protect a newly installed public trail, and conserve the wooded valley adjacent to Philadelphia’s Tacony Creek Park. Clay said the acquisition will also ensure public access to the property.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority is an independent state agency that evaluates and administers funding for projects that create jobs and invest in the state’s financial growth. ••
