See what events are happening in your neighborhood in the Northeast Times’ Around Town section.
Grand Illumination at American Heritage
American Heritage Federal Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road, will host its annual Grand Illumination on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m.
The evening will feature a 40-foot Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, fireworks symphony, performances by the Philadelphia Boys Choir and the Fifes and Drums of the Old Barracks and appearances by Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross
Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the needy. The rain date is Nov. 25. For more information, visit amhfcu.org/grandillumination ••
St. Martha ‘78 reunion is Saturday
The St. Martha class of 1978 will hold its 40-year reunion on Saturday, Nov. 24. at 8 p.m. at Pub 36, Frankford and Sheffield avenues.
The cost is $40, paid in cash, and includes an open bar and buffet. Call Brian Deal at 215-333-7536. ••
Philadelphia Blue Flame fundraiser
The Philadelphia Blue Flame police and firefighter football team will be holding a Shop, Jingle & Mingle event on Sunday, Nov. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road.
The event will feature vendors, artisan crafters, a DJ, raffle baskets and cash bar. A cash for gold buyer will look at unwanted, old or broken jewelry, coins or flatware. ••
Retreat in Malvern this weekend
The Malvern Retreat House will host a retreat for men seeking to be closer to Christ.
The retreat is set for the weekend after Thanksgiving, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 23-25.
Students and sons accompanied by their fathers or their grandfathers can attend at a greatly reduced price.
For additional information, contact Armando Moral at amoral@MalvernRetreat.com or Frank Coyne at 215-677-098 or fxcoyne43@yahoo.com or visit malvernretreat.com ••
CORA honoring Sister Donna Shallo
CORA Services will honor Sister Donna Shallo, IHM at its Champions for Children event on Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Union League at Torresdale, 3801 Grant Ave.
Sister Donna spent 27 years at Little Flower High School, including 18 as president. Previously, she was a teacher, including stints at Archbishop Ryan and St. Anselm. For tickets or sponsorships, call 215-701-2776 or visit coraservices.org ••
New Cub Scout Pack to hold open house
The newly formed Cub Scout Pack 54 will hold an open house on Sunday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave.
Boys and girls age 5-10 are welcome to join.
Meetings will be Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Call 215-342-2085, visit Cub Scout Pack 54 on Facebook or go to redemptionphiladelphia.org ••
UPS hiring for the season
UPS is hiring for seasonal driver helpers and package handlers. Complete an online application at upsjobs.com
A presentation and interviews will take place on Friday, Nov. 30, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave. (near Bustleton Avenue). For questions, call 215-685-0522. ••
Donate Christmas gifts and toys
Houseman Recreation Center, 5091 Summerdale Ave., is accepting donations of Christmas gifts and toys from Nov. 25 to Dec. 11.
Gifts should be new and unwrapped. They can be for boys or girls ages 3 months to 16 years. ••
Italian class coming to Franklin Towne
The Societa’ Cavalieri d’ Italia teamed up with Franklin Towne Charter High School to introduce the Italian language program in fall 2019.
The program is set to replace the already established French language program and will include an Italian Cultural Club at the school.
Franklin Towne will offer a week-long exchange trip sponsored by the Societa’ Cavalieri d’ Italia. Students from Franklin Towne will fly to Italy and immerse themselves in the country’s culture while the city of Philadelphia welcomes a group of students from Italy.
“This is an amazing accomplishment for the Italian community of Philadelphia,” said Francesco DiCianni, vice president of Societa’ Cavalieri d’ Italia. “We are thrilled to join forces with the staff and students at Franklin Towne Charter High School and provide them with the opportunity to study the Italian language and to be exposed to the wealth of cultural and educational aspects Italy has to offer. This is just the beginning of expanding the Italian language at schools around the area.” ••
New Allstate agency on Frankford Ave.
Michael Browning opened a new Allstate Insurance Agency at 7257 Frankford Ave.
Browning has nearly two decades of experience working in the sales and home finance industries and is using that background to open a full-service Allstate agency. He is a graduate of Drexel University.
Browning’s Allstate agency offers auto, property, life, annuities and financial services products.
Browning has been involved in community and development programs in the area, including the Free to Breathe Walk through the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, the Mayfair Business Improvement District and coaching and supporting local sports teams for his children.
The office is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a,m, to 2 p.m.
Evening hours are available by appointment.
Reach Michael and his team at 215-800-0604, mbrowning@allstate.com or https://agents.allstate.com/michael-browning-philadelphia-pa.html ••
Free guided trolley tours of historic Tacony
The Tacony Community Development Corporation and Historical Society of Tacony will be sponsoring free guided trolley tours of the historic neighborhood on Dec. 8.
The tours will depart from Tacony Library, 6742 Torresdale Ave., at noon and 1 p.m., and are recommended for adults and children over 10 years of age.
Pre-registration is strongly recommended and can be done by visiting the library during operating hours or by calling the Historical Society of Tacony at 215-338-8790.
The tours will be offered as part of Winterfest. ••
Empty nest help available
Joanne M. Cifaldi-Scherff recently completed a life coach course with Paula Michele Boyle, and is now a certified empty nester coach.
Cifaldi-Scherff is available to meet with fellow empty nesters one on one or over the phone.
For more information, call 267-255-8708, email joanne@emptynestercoach.com or visit emptynestercoach.com ••
