The nonprofit dedicated to monarch butterflies is promised to be “a completely new company.”
John Cambridge, CEO of the Philadelphia Butterfly Pavilion and Insectarium, welcomed members of the Holmesburg Civic Association to check out his place.
In fact, Cambridge would like people from all over the area to visit the facility, at 8046 Frankford Ave.
The site is particularly interested in bringing in more school trips. It is equipped to host events of all kinds, and has booked its third wedding.
Cambridge said the spot has space for a cafe, and is offering free rent and electric for six months for whoever wants to open.
The building still has an extermination business, but has been largely renovated, using American-made goods. A nonprofit dedicated to monarch butterflies has been created.
“It’s not the old place,” he said.
Cambridge also told the crowd that Steve Kanya, who owned the extermination business and Insectarium for many years and was the driving force behind opening the butterfly pavilion, is no longer involved.
“It’s a completely new company,” he said.
Cambridge said student, adult and family annual memberships are available, as are volunteer opportunities.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, with extended summer hours on Wednesdays until 8 p.m.
In other news from the June 13 meeting:
• Donna Donat, of the Friends of Holmesburg Library, announced a number of upcoming events.
The schedule includes preschool storytime on Friday mornings through July; children’s crafts on Wednesday afternoon through July; teen days on Tuesday afternoons through Aug. 1; and wooden block parties for kids ages 3–6 on July 7 and Aug. 4 from 2 to 3 p.m.
The Friends will hold a family night in the library garden on Wednesday, Aug. 2., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The night will include face painting, art, storytime, a ventriloquist show and refreshments.
The library is at 7810 Frankford Ave. Call 215–685–8756.
• Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St., will host a preschool program for kids ages 3–5 from September through mid-June.
Parents have the option of enrolling their kids in a three- or five-day program.
For a list of activities, cost or more information, call 215–685–8714.
• Holmesburg Civic Association will meet again on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7:15 p.m. at Holmesburg Recreation Center. ••
