Around Town: February 17, 2016

Grants available for community groups

The Philadelphia Mills Advisory Council is seeking submissions from organizations within the 19154 ZIP code for community grants supplied by the mall ownership. The deadline to apply is March 1.

All groups applying must provide their name, address, contact person, telephone and fax numbers, email address, amount requested and the purpose of and number of people impacted by the grant.

Forms must be signed and dated and include the printed name and title of the person making the application. For a copy of the form, for more information or to apply, email advisory council president Jack Irwin at [email protected]

Applications can also be mailed to Philadelphia Mills Advisory Council, P.O. Box 21189, Philadelphia, PA 19114–0389. ••

Boyle to discuss Iran nuclear agreement

U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-13th dist.) will speak on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Ami, 9201 Old Bustleton Ave.

Boyle will discuss the Iran nuclear agreement and its impact on the United States, Israel and their Arab allies.

The cost, including breakfast, is $6.

Call 215–673–2511. ••

Designer Bag Bingo on Feb. 19

The Center for Families and Relationships will present Designer Bag Bingo on Friday, Feb. 19, at St. Martha Church Hall, 11301 Academy Road.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Bingo starts at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $30 in advance or $35 at the door. There will be a 50/50 and raffles. It’s a BYOB event, and guests are welcome to bring their own snacks.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call 215–537–5367, Ext. 319 or visit www.cfarcounseling.org ••

Lifelong Learning series at KleinLife

KleinLife, located at 10100 Jamison Ave., will launch a Lifelong Learning series on Feb. 22.

The public is invited to participate.

Linda Hershman, director of the series, said, “The new stimulating, informative and enjoyable program is filled with everything from painting, movie and theater talk and classical music to opera, history, literary works and current events. It has been meticulously designed to stimulate and engage the mind, body and spirit of active adults.”

This year’s program also features a special excursion to the Barnes Foundation to view the special exhibition of Pablo Picasso’s work from 1912 to 1924.

The programs are being offered in two-, six- and eight-week sessions and range in price from $25 to $80 per person for the general public.

For additional information and to receive a free brochure, contact Hershman at 215–698–7300, Ext. 114 or [email protected] ••

Thrift shop to reopen in Tacony

The thrift shop at Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, at 4301 Tyson Ave. in Tacony, will reopen on Feb. 28. Shop hours are weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215–624–9600. ••

Free tax preparation offered

City Councilman Brian O’Neill announced that the city and the Campaign for Working Families will be providing free tax preparation services for individuals making less than $20,000 and families earning less than $54,000. The free tax preparation will be available at the Northeast Super Site (7300 Bustleton Ave., next to Sears). Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, call or visit O’Neill’s offices, including 432 Rhawn St., behind American Heritage Credit Union (215–685–6431); FOP Lodge 5 headquarters, 11630 Caroline Road (215–437–9167); Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street, above the 7th Police District (215–685–0432); and 562 City Hall (215–686–3422). ••

Meeting focuses on Lawncrest

Philadelphia Water will hold a meeting about stormwater improvements planned for Lawncrest through the Green City, Clean Waters program.

The meeting is scheduled for March 7, from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m., at Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Ave.

Refreshments will be served.

For information, visit www.phillywatersheds.org, email [email protected] or call 267–625–0280. ••

Dance classes at Polish Home

The Associated Polish Home, 9150 Academy Road, holds dance classes every Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Sundays from 5 to 8 p.m.

The teacher is Polish dance champion Aneta Bury. The cost is $10 per class.

For details, go to polishhome.com ••

Tobacco cessation classes

Nazareth Hospital, 2601 Holme Ave., will host free tobacco cessation classes on Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. through Feb. 25.

“We are thrilled to bring these free classes to our community, and support our neighbors in their battle to stop addiction,” said Nancy Cherone, Nazareth’s executive director.

Certified tobacco addiction specialists at Nazareth will coach attendees on how to quit smoking. They will also provide information about tobacco addiction, new coping strategies and tips to prevent relapse. Classes will be held in Nazareth’s first floor cancer center conference room.

To register, call 215–335–7727. ••

Concert at VFW is March 4

A benefit concert will take place on Friday, March 4, at Michael Crescenz VFW Post 2819, 6850 Martins Mill Road in Lawndale. Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones will entertain from 8 to 11 p.m.

The cost is $40, which includes unlimited draft beer, wine and soda.

Proceeds benefit installation of an elevator at the Post.

For information, call 215–728–5959 or 267–242–6106, or visit www.mikedoughertyproductions.com/calendar ••

Streets department to conduct study of Byberry Road

The city Department of Streets has agreed to a request by state Rep. Martina White (R-170th dist.) to conduct a traffic study of a section of Byberry Road.

White requested the study following the death of a 73-year-old pedestrian who was struck on Byberry Road near Proctor Road in December.

“Since that time, residents in that area have contacted my office about the tragedy,” White said. “My staff and I have been making headway with the city to get them to address our concerns and they have now agreed to conduct a traffic study near the area of the accident.”

White believes the study will expose the problems pedestrians face when crossing Byberry Road.

“I am optimistic the city can come to a commonsense, non-traffic-intrusive solution, one that will find a way to make it safe for pedestrians while producing little inconvenience to motorists who travel this busy thoroughfare,” White said. “I will continue to monitor the city’s progress and their search for a solution over the next few months.” ••

Veterans Advisory Commission announces upcoming meetings

The 2016 City Council calendar includes four meetings of the Veterans Advisory Commission. The commission was established in 2006 pursuant to a Council resolution. George Ginder chairs the commission. All meetings will be held in City Hall Room 400, the Council chamber. Meetings will be held on March 9, June 15, Sept. 14 and Dec. 7, at 2 p.m.

In addition, Council’s Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee will meet in Room 400 on March 8, June 14, Sept. 13 and Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. The Economic Opportunity Review Committee will meet in Room 400 on March 7, June 13, Sept. 12 and Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. ••