See what events are happening in your neighborhood.
Young professionals event is Thursday
The Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce — Young Leadership Network Business After Hours will hold a happy hour on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Nick’s Roast Beef, 2210 Cottman Ave.
There is no charge to attend. A cash bar will be available. To register, go to members.nephilachamber.com/events/details/young-leadership-network-business-after-hours-5100779 ••
Pro-life rally to be held at local church
The Northeast Philadelphia Stand Up for Life Rally will take place on Sunday, Jan. 21, from 2 to 3 p.m. at St. Katherine of Siena Church, 9700 Frankford Ave.
The rally will observe the 45th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.
The featured speaker will be the Rev. Bill Devlin, founder of the Urban Family Council.
A reception will follow in the church basement.
The event is sponsored by the Northeast Philadelphia Pro-Life Coalition, the St. Katherine Church Respect Life Committee and many Catholic and Protestant churches in the Northeast.
Call 215–393–3610. ••
Holme Circle Civic meeting next week
The Holme Circle Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. in the St. Jerome School hall, at Colfax and Stamford streets.
Detective Joseph Rovnan, a 28-year-veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, will be the guest speaker. He’ll offer advice for people on how to react if they are in the presence of an active shooter.
Rovnan serves in the Homeland Security Counter-Terrorism Operations section. He has been the primary negotiator during hostage, barricade and critical incidents in the city and surrounding areas. He is the lead instructor for the city’s negotiator program and several Weapons of Mass Destruction courses and is a leader on the Major Incident Response Team for Philadelphia and surrounding counties. ••
Workshop for veterans at Deer Meadows
The public is invited to Deer Meadows, 8301 Roosevelt Blvd., for a free educational workshop about federal Department of Veterans Affairs aid and benefits.
The workshop will take place on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 5:30 p.m.
Call 215–624–7575. ••
Pope Francis honors Brother Kestler
Pope Francis has honored Brother Richard E. Kestler, a St. Martin of Tours Grammar School graduate, for his dedication and service to the Church in Philadelphia.
Kestler will receive the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, or Cross of Honor, during a service on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 4 p.m. at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Archbishop Charles Chaput will lead the service, which is open to the public.
Kestler, a 1956 St. Martin’s graduate, was principal of West Catholic from 1973–79 and president of the school from 1999 to 2005 and 2012–16. He was president of La Salle High School from 2005–12. ••
Meeting about new ShopRite
State Rep. Jason Dawkins (D-179th dist.) will hold a town hall meeting on Thursday, Jan. 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. at James J. Sullivan School, 5300 Ditman St.
Dawkins will provide a progress report about his work in Harrisburg as well as discuss upcoming community developments, including the new ShopRite grocery store that’s set to open at the Shoppes at Wissinoming shopping center. Call 215–744–7901. ••
