The Holme Circle Civic Association last week addressed the following issues:
• Two representatives from the city election commissioners office gave a presentation on the new voting machines. Voters will be given a blank white activation card that they will insert into the machine. After they vote using a touch screen, behind a curtain, the card will show their choices. After voters confirm their choices, the card will go into a sealed bin. Voters will continue to sign a poll book to check in. Commissioners initially told voters they’d be using a stylus, but a test run failed. “They’re working on it,” one of the representatives said.
• Mike Fagan, president of the civic association, gave an update on the sinking sidewalks on the 3000 and 3100 blocks of Fairfield St. Many homeowners will be required to pay for the repairs. Fagan said he has no confidence in the Philadelphia Water Department brass when it comes to the explanation of the damage. He thinks the street workers would know the truth, but would be hesitant to speak out. “Joe Shmoe would be out of there in two seconds,” he said.
• Paul Ragan, an aide to City Councilman Bobby Henon, spoke of some upcoming events. A shredding event is set for Saturday, Oct. 19, in the Lincoln High School parking lot, 3201 Ryan Ave. Paper and electronics will be accepted. “Anything smaller than a washer and dryer, we’ll take,” Ragan said.
Constituents 55 and older are invited to Blue Eyes with Bobby on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. A Frank Sinatra impersonator will entertain, with food and door prizes.
Bobby’s Bake Off is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8, at Pennypack Woods Community Center, 8724 Crispin Drive. Cakes, pies and cookies can be entered.
A Christmas movie will be shown on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Devon Theater, 6325 Frankford Ave.
All events are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register at 215-686-3444.
• The Special People In Northeast Inc. Boo & Brew 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk/roll will take place Sunday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m. at Neshaminy State Park, 3401 State Road, Bensalem. An after party is set for 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, 909 Ray Ave., Croydon. The cost for the 5K is $35, or $15 for kids ages 6-16. The cost is $50 for the 5K and after party. More information is at tinyurl.com/boobrew2019.
• The group observed a moment of silence for off-duty police officer Alexis Montanez, who died last month after his car hit a tree on the 2900 block of Holme Ave. Montanez worked in the 9th Police District.
• Vandals knocked over two “Welcome to Holme Circle” signs, but they were restored.
• State Sen. John Sabatina Jr. will hold a senior expo on Friday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Armory, 2700 Southampton Road (at Roosevelt Boulevard). Residents of the 5th Senatorial District are invited to meet with representatives from state agencies and community organizations that will be present. Among them will be the Pennsylvania Lottery, the Department of Revenue, American Red Cross, various hospitals and many other health and housing organizations. Refreshments will be provided. Call 215-695-1020.
• Friends of Pennypack Park will hold recycling events on Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Abraham Lincoln High School parking lot. However, the program will end in December after many years.
• Elsie Stevens, secretary of the civic association, thanked the 8th Police District for removing abandoned cars.
• Holme Circle Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. at St. Jerome school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Candidates in the November election will be invited. ••
