Valentine celebration is Friday
The Villages at Pine Valley, an active adult community affiliated with Holy Redeemer Health System, will host a Valentine-themed celebration for prospective residents on Friday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its clubhouse, 8550 Verree Road in Fox Chase.
The festivities will offer an opportunity for guests to tour the community’s apartment units and condominium offerings and various amenities, including fitness center, indoor heated pool, billiards, creative arts room and access to the wooded walking trails of nearby Pennypack Park.
Following the tour, Maureen Wade will present “Twelve Steps to a Healthy Life: The Art of Living Well.”
For more information or to reserve a spot, call toll free 1–866–870–8601. ••
Food sale at Crescentville church
Crescentville United Methodist Church Women’s Fellowship is selling pot pies and assorted dishes.
Items available are chicken pot pie ($4.50), beef pot pie ($4.75), shrimp pot pie ($5), chicken/broccoli ($4.50), chicken parmigiana ($5), roast turkey platter ($5), macaroni au gratin ($3) and apple deep dish ($2.50).
The deadline to order is March 1.
All orders must be picked up on Saturday, March 7, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church, 412 E. Sentner St.
For more information, call Sue Snyder at 215–771–4442 or 215–745–7115. ••
Polish Society to hold concert
The Polish Heritage Society of Philadelphia, an affiliate of the American Council for Polish Culture (ACPC), will hold its annual Fryderyk Chopin Concert at Holy Family University’s Education and Technology Center, 9801 Frankford Ave., on March 1 at 2 p.m. The guest pianist will be Steinway artist Katarzyna Musial, winner of the 2011 Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition in New York.
Musial’s playing has been described by New York Concert Reviews as “a pure delight,” “wonderfully evocative” and “vividly detailed.” A light reception will follow the recital.
For reservations, contact Debbie Majka at 215–627–1391 or [email protected]. ••
Tattoo show is this weekend
The Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Convention will be holding its 17th annual event from Feb. 13–15 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 11th and Arch streets.
More than 900 artists from around the world, representing 400 shops, will be tattooing each day.
Show times are Friday from 2 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ticket prices are $22 per day, or $45 for a three-day pass. Tickets will be sold only at the show.
For more information, email [email protected], call 215–423–4780 or visit www.villainarts.com ••
Adult softball league seeks players
The Not Quite Over the Hill Softball League is recruiting players age 49–65 for its 25th anniversary season.
Games are played Mondays through Thursdays.
Call Bill at 215–722–8859. ••
Nazareth, WEL sponsor health living series
Nazareth Hospital and Wesley Enhanced Living Pennypack Park have partnered to present the Adult Healthy Living series to improve the health of residents.
Members of the public are welcome to attend free monthly events and learn from healthcare and clinical experts how to live healthier.
Adult Healthy Living educational events will take place each month from 10 a.m. to noon, and will be held at Wesley Enhanced Living Pennypack Park, located at 8401 Roosevelt Blvd. Pre-registration is preferred. For more information and to register, call toll-free 1–866-NAZARETH.
Here are the dates and topics for future sessions: Feb. 17 (Heart Health, Advance Health Care Planning); March 19 (Nutrition and Healthy Eating); April 21 (Physical Health and Wellness); May 19 (Arthritis and Osteoporosis Presentation); June 13 (Health and Wellness Fair, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.); July 21 (Medications; bring your meds for free consultation); Aug. 18 (Stress, Dementia and Depression); Sept. 15 (Cancer Awareness and Prevention); Oct. 20 (Infection Prevention, Flu Vaccines); Nov. 17 (Living with Diabetes, Advance Health Care Planning); Dec. 15 (Home Safety Awareness).
Light refreshments will be provided by Wesley Enhanced Living Pennypack Park Culinary Department. ••
Grant application deadline is March 1
The deadline is March 1 for organizations in the 19154 ZIP code to apply for grants through the Philadelphia Mills Advisory Council.
An exact amount of money must be requested, and grants awarded must benefit the immediate community.
No funds will be granted to an individual.
Forms can be requested by emailing [email protected]
Completed forms can be emailed to the above address or mailed to PMAC, P.O. Box 21189, Philadelphia, PA 19154–0389.
All requests will be reviewed and voted upon by the council, and approved funds will be distributed by June 30. ••
Local libraries offer programming
One Book One Philadelphia programming will be coming to several local libraries.
Orphan Train is the story of Vivian, a 91-year-old widow once orphaned as a child, and Molly, a troubled teen who has been shuffled from one unstable foster home to another. The two women develop a bond, with Vivian treasuring her Irish immigrant roots and Molly finding comfort in her ancestral Native American tradition. The novel sheds light on an era when thousands of orphaned children were taken from crowded cities to face uncertain futures in the rural Midwest.
There will be a book discussion on Wednesday, March 18, at 3 p.m. at Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave.
Two local branches will welcome Marcie Ziskind to teach people to create and paint Celtic knots. She will appear at the Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, on Monday, March 2, at 6:30 p.m., and at Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., on Tuesday, March 3, at 4 p.m.
On Saturday, March 7, at 2 p.m., visitors to Tacony Library, 6742 Torresdale Ave., will create Native American and Irish bookmarks. ••
Very old marine reptiles in new aquarium exhibit
Prehistoric marine reptiles that ruled the primeval seas more than 100 million years ago have taken over Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront for Dinosaurs of the Deep, a limited-time exhibit. Five thousand square feet of large-scale skeletons, ancient fossils and more than 20 life-size replicas will be on display throughout the aquarium to teach guests about the most intriguing sea monsters that ever existed, from massive pliosaurs and armored fish to the whales, sharks and turtles that inhabit our oceans today.
As part of the exhibit, interactive dioramas and educational stations are situated throughout the aquarium to help guests learn about the enthralling world of ancient aquatic life through hands-on exploration.
To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.AdventureAquarium.com. ••
Ambulance association gets grant
State Rep. John Sabatina (D-174th dist.) recently announced a $7,445 state grant to the Rhawnhurst Bustleton Ambulance Association from the Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program, funded by gaming revenue.
“This funding will go toward a valuable and worthwhile cause and I’m very proud the state deemed the Rhawnhurst Bustleton Ambulance Association a worthy recipient,” Sabatina said. “These men and women make a tremendous sacrifice and I applaud their efforts to serve our community.”
The maximum volunteer fire department grant is $15,000 and the maximum volunteer ambulance grant $10,000. Grants can be used for repairing, building or renovating facilities; for new equipment; training and certification; or for debt service related to equipment or facility expenditures. ••
Local sailor earns award
Tesse Wilson, a 2002 graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School, was recently named United States Coast Guard Sailor of the Quarter.
Wilson joined the Coast Guard after graduating from Dougherty, where she was a cheerleader for four years.
During her tenure, she has been stationed in numerous locations, including overseas in Bahrain.
At present, she is serving on the Coast Guard cutter ELM, stationed at Emerald Isle, North Carolina.
Wilson was recognized for her dedication, professionalism, perseverance, selfless and positive attitude, expertise, devotion to duty and commitment to the Coast Guard. She received 72 hours of special liberty. ••
Gwynedd Mercy expanding Center City site
Gwynedd Mercy University recently broke ground on the development of a Center City facility for its new accelerated nursing program.
The university is investing about $500,000 to revamp part of its campus at 6th and Chestnut streets with a new clinical lab, high-fidelity simulation lab and classroom space to accommodate the launch of its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in May.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor forecasts a shortage of more than 580,000 registered nurses by 2018.
Designed as a second degree program, the ABSN program enables students young and old — who may have not yet found a rewarding career, or may be pursuing a second career — to become nurses in as little as 16 months.
For more than 50 years, the Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and Health Professions at Gwynedd Mercy University has provided nursing education.
Gwynedd Mercy will be hiring about 10 faculty members within the first year of operation. ••
Ryan student attends medical conference in DC
Karen Herrera, a sophomore at Archbishop Ryan High School, attended the recent Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Washington, D.C.
The Congress is an honors program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields.
The purpose of the event was to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be physicians or medical scientists.
“This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” said Richard Rossi, executive director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. “Focused, bright and determined students like Karen Herrera are our future, and she deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give her.” ••
Pastor kisses pig for $5,000
The Rev. John Babowitch, pastor at Our Lady of Calvary Church, kissed a pig at TruMark Financial Credit Union’s annual Kiss-A-Pig Financial literacy event, earning his parish $5,000.
Babowitch kissed Bubbles, a pot-bellied pig, at The Piazza at Schmidt’s in Northern Liberties.
The grant helped Our Lady of Calvary School buy tablets, money kits and math software programs on counting and money recognition. ••
Nazareth honors nurse
Terri Cannon, oncology nurse navigator at Nazareth Hospital’s Mercy Cancer Center, received the hospital’s Daisy Award.
Karen McGinley, executive assistant at Nazareth, nominated Cannon.
“As a Nazareth employee and former cancer patient here, I have dealt with Terrie on both sides. As an employee, Terrie is a fine example of a team player,” McGinley said. “She works hard, asks questions, offers assistance and wants successful outcomes. As the oncology nurse navigator, there is no one like Terrie. She is there for patients regarding any issues.” ••
Local administrator joins homecare board
Jean Langenbach, director of nursing and education at Community Care Center of the Northeast, has been elected to the Pennsylvania Homecare Association Board of Directors for a three-year term.
Langenbach founded Community Care Center of the Northeast in 1985. Located at 2417 Welsh Road, Suite 202, it provides care to the elderly and persons with physical and intellectual disabilities.
The Pennsylvania Homecare Association board represents the state’s homecare and hospice industry, which provides care in the homes of more than 1 million Pennsylvanians each year. There are more than 700 homecare and hospice providers that are members of the association. ••
Pets needed for nursing home visits
The nonprofit Therapy Pets Unlimited is looking for volunteers to take their pets to nursing homes in the Philadelphia area.
For more information, call Chris Johnson at 484–522–9104. ••
Program for caregivers
Community Care Center of the Northeast, at 2417 Welsh Road, Suite 202, offers an 80-hour training program for people caring for an older family member, friend or neighbor.
The class is held once a week for 12 weeks.
The program will teach the anatomy, physiology, nutritional, emotional and spiritual needs of the human body.
For more information, call Judy or Jean at 215–335–4416. ••
Trip planned for Wildwood
Salem Harbour Apartments is sponsoring a four-day, three-night trip to Wildwood, N.J., June 1–4.
The cost is $329 per person, double occupancy.
The fee includes breakfasts, dinners, a visit to an Atlantic City casino, a visit to Cape May, transportation and more.
For more information, contact Barbara at 215–639–1000 or [email protected] ••
Aria Health honors nurse Farano
Aria Health presented its monthly DAISY Award to registered nurse Anthony Farano for his exceptional clinical skills and tireless dedication to and compassion for his patients.
In 2006, while studying nursing at Holy Family University, Farano began his career at Aria as an orderly. He then became a certified nurse assistant.
Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing his boards in 2009, Farano became a registered nurse at the Torresdale Campus.
“Anthony takes the time to get know all of his patients and their families, and is often described by them as caring and professional, going above and beyond for his coworkers as well, always making extra time for anyone in need,” said Farano’s supervisor, Kimberly Callahan. “His clinical skills are matched only by his dedication and compassion. He is a true patient advocate and an excellent choice for the winner of Aria Health’s first DAISY Award.” ••
Jeanes CEO earns honor
Linda Benfield Grass, president and CEO at Jeanes Hospital, was recently inducted into Temple University’s League for Entrepreneurial Women’s Hall of Fame.
Grass is a 1973 graduate of Temple’s College of Health and Professions and Social Work.
Grass has been president and CEO at Jeanes Hospital, part of Temple University Health System, since 2003. She received a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Temple University, a master’s degree in education from Arcadia University and an MBA in health administration and finance from La Salle University. ••
Two doctors join Aria women’s health center
Aria Health continued the development of its Center for Gynecology and Women’s Health with the addition of two new doctors, Amy Abouzied, MD, and Udele Joyce Tagoe, MD. Both bring a high level of expertise and dedication to personal patient care that Aria will share with patients in the Philadelphia region.
Abouzied, a specialist in adolescent gynecologic care and the treatment of endometriosis and pelvic prolapse, joins Aria from the Chicago area where she was in private practice. She is a graduate of Michigan State University, with medical training at Wayne State University School of Medicine and residencies at the University of Maryland and Mercy Medical Center.
Tagoe is an award-winning clinical instructor who has spent much of her career in the Philadelphia area. She was previously affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania and Tenet Health System and specializes in general gynecology. She is a graduate of Duke University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Call 1–877–808-ARIA or visit AriaHealth.org for information. ••
PECO investing in tree-trimming
PECO is investing $2.4 million in “vegetation management” along 291 miles of aerial electric lines to improve electric service for about 45,000 customers in southeastern Montgomery County and northeastern Philadelphia County. Work began in January and will be completed by the end of May.
Each year, PECO invests approximately $500 million to enhance its electric infrastructure, including preventive maintenance and equipment upgrades. As part of this work, in 2015 PECO will invest about $36 million in vegetation management work around approximately 2,800 miles of aerial electric lines.
For more information call 1–800–311–6345, ext. 915 or visit peco.com and click on the Trees and Powerlines link under the Customer Service / Service Request tab on the home page.
Aria Health program honored
Aria Health’s Lung Screening Program has been distinguished as a Center of Excellence by the Lung Cancer Alliance for its continued commitment to providing responsible lung cancer screenings. The program will join more than 225 elite screening centers across the country recognized as a Center of Excellence.
Aria Health’s Lung Screening Program offers low dose CT scans for early detective of lung cancer. Low dose CT scans performed safely and efficiently save thousands of lives each year, as they are more effective at detecting early onset of lung cancer than traditional x-rays. These CT scans are recommended for those with a history of heavy smoking, current smokers and smokers who have quit within the last 15 years and who are aged 55 to 80.
“These lung screenings truly are life-saving programs that can help detect the earliest signs of lung cancer, which is one of the deadliest forms of the disease,” said Kathleen Kinslow, president and CEO of Aria Health.
“We are proud and honored to be working with Aria Health Lung Screening Program as a Lung Cancer Alliance Screening Center of Excellence. Their commitment to practice responsible lung cancer screening will lead to advancements in research and many lives saved. They are an example to follow,” said LCA President and CEO Laurie Fenton Ambrose. ••
New exhibit at Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront is hosting a limited-time exhibit featuring large-scale skeletons, ancient fossils and more than 20 life-size replicas.
They will be on display throughout the aquarium to teach guests about the most intriguing sea monsters that ever existed, from massive pliosaurs and prehistoric armored fish to the whales, sharks and turtles that inhabit oceans today.
Visitors will come face-to-face with a 34-foot full-scale Liopleurodon, one of the ancient oceans’ most dangerous predators, whose teeth were four inches long. The exhibit will also feature a replica fossil of a Tylosaur still stuck in stone and a life-sized coral reef teeming with trilobites and prehistoric fish.
As part of Dinosaurs of the Deep, interactive dioramas and educational stations will be situated throughout the aquarium to help guests learn about the world of ancient aquatic life through hands-on exploration. Along the way, visitors will get the chance to touch a horseshoe crab at the “Touch a Living Dinosaur” exhibit and become a paleontologist by examining fossils of a variety of shark species and the largest sea turtles that ever lived.
Adventure Aquarium is open 365 days a year, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.AdventureAquarium.com or call 856–365–3300. ••
Nazareth nurse honored
Nazareth Hospital registered nurse Theresa “Terry” Conejo was elected as a Fellow of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
This designation is awarded in recognition of scientific and professional accomplishments, volunteer leadership and service. Conejo will be recognized by the AHA/ASA at the International Stroke Conference on Feb. 11 in Nashville, Tennessee.
As an AHA/ASA Fellow, Conejo joins a select group of physicians, scientists, nurses and other healthcare professionals who have demonstrated a major and productive interest in cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
“Being able to help people and contribute to the community is my passion and what drives me,” she said. “Through my passion and commitment, I hope to inspire others to take action and help improve their health, well-being and quality of life.”
Terry’s involvement with the AHA/ASA began eight years ago, when she became a volunteer advocate for the AHA/ASA. She was recognized in 2009 with the AHA/ASA Distinguished Achievement Award and again in 2014 with the Go Red Por Tu Corazon Ambassador Award. Her contributions to the organization have included service on various committees, boards and community fundraising events. ••
Vietnam memorial pavers for sale
The deadline is March 5 to purchase 12-inch by 12-inch pavers for inscription at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The $300 granite pavers line the walkway to the newly redesigned memorial site that honors the 646 Philadelphians killed in the Vietnam War.
The pavers can be purchased to honor any loved one who served in the military. Information and guidelines can be found at www.pvvm.org, or by emailing [email protected] ••
Nursing home seeks donations
River’s Edge Nursing and Rehab Facility, 9501 State Road in East Torresdale, is in need of new and used items.
Donations can be dropped off or sent to 9501 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114. For more information, call 215–632–5700 and ask for activities ••
Charity Undie’s Run on Saturday
Cupid’s Undie Run will take place on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at XFinity Live, 11th Street and Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia. Tickets cost $55.
Proceeds benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation, which supports research to find a cure for neurofibromatosis, which causes tumors.
For more information, visit cupidsundierun.com or the Cupid’s Undie Run — Philadelphia page on Facebook. ••
