Spike’s receives big honor
Spike’s Trophies, 2701 Grant Ave., has been awarded the 2020-21 Large Retailer of the Year Award by the Awards and Personalization Association. The Gold Obelisk awards are bestowed upon individuals and organizations that contribute to the success of the awards and personalization industry.
Spike’s Trophies was founded in 1929. Its mission is to be a fast and dependable recognition resource that assists its clients in recognizing people, brands and identity. Spike’s looks to be a resource that provides caring customer service and has fun doing it.
Spike’s is a full-service awards and recognition provider that offers sports awards, corporate recognition products, promotional items, sportswear and signage. Spike’s is also home to the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.
Upon presenting the award to the Spike’s Trophies team, APA’s president Lisa Higginbotham said, “Spike’s truly lived by the word ‘pivot’ during this past COVID year and, through the challenges experienced by many, served as a beacon of inspiration and model for transformation. The member that nominated your business highlighted the amazing steps taken to ensure that your staff was taken care of throughout the pandemic. Thank you for your continued leadership in our industry.”
Accepting the award for Spike’s, CEO Keith Baldwin said, “What a surprise. What an honor. We are so grateful. We are proud to be recognized for all we did during these difficult times — saving our employees’ jobs by transitioning into a call center for COVID test appointments, supplying numerous needed PPE items and helping others in our industry and community. We’d like to thank the APA as well as our amazing team here at Spike’s.”
This is the third Gold Obelisk Award that Spike’s Trophies has received, winning the 2005-06 Retailer of the Year and the 2016-17 Large Business Retailer of the Year. ••
Henon holding upcoming events
City Councilman Bobby Henon will be holding several upcoming events.
A Welcome Back Breakfast for senior citizens will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Flu shots will be available. Registration is required.
A free shredding and e-cycling event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Lincoln High School parking lot on Ryan Avenue. Paint and other household hazardous waste will be accepted, too.
On Monday, Sept. 20, watch Singin’ in the Rain at 10:30 a.m. at the old Devon Theater, 6325 Frankford Ave. Oak Street Health will provide snacks, drinks and giveaways.
Peace Day Philly will take place Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Henon’s office at 6730 Torresdale Ave. There will be vendors, snacks, drink and a chance to sign a Peace Pledge.
Bobby’s Bingo Bonanza will be Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 3-5 p.m. at Innovage Life Center, 4401 Megargee St. The day will include an early dinner.
Bobby’s Pin & Pizza, for senior citizens, is set for Tuesday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Thunderbird Lanes, 3075 Holme Ave. Registration is required.
Register for these events at 215-686-3444. ••
Dance performance on Sunday
Artist House/Asya Zlatina + Dancers will present L’Shana Tova! A Sweet Assembly, on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 3 p.m. at Trent Plaza, 14425 Bustleton Ave.
A celebration of the Jewish year in modern dance, L’Shana Tova! highlights the year’s rich culture with music from various traditions.
RSVP for seating at artist-house.org. The cost is pay what you wish.
There will be a livestream on the company’s Facebook page.
For details, go to artist-house.org/fringe2021. ••
Thrift shop accepting donations
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, is open for the new season, restocked with fall and winter merchandise. Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Donations will be accepted all days.
The shop will be closed Sept. 8 and 16 for religious holidays.
Call 215-624-9130. ••
Flea market on Saturday
Crescentville United Methodist Church, 412 E. Sentner St., will host an outdoor flea market on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Among the goods for sale will be house and personal items, jewelry and antiques.
Lunch will be available.
No vendor tables.
Call Sue at 215-885-7069. ••
Concert tonight at Cannstatter
The Pennypack Park Music Festival’s final concert of the season will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road.
The concert will feature Kick It Out, a tribute to Heart. ••
Concerts at Redemption Lutheran
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave. (at Rhawn Street), invites the public to upcoming free concerts.
Bring chairs, snacks and drinks.
The lineup is Raimundo Santos and Friends (Sept. 10); Brotherly Love, Select Ensemble of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus (Sept. 17); classical pianist Reese Revak (Sept. 24); and a favorites sing-a-long with Grant Uhle (Oct. 1).
Call 215-342-2085 or visit www.redemptionphiladelphia.org. ••
Flea market in Fairmount
Philadelphia Flea Markets will hold an outdoor flea market on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue. The rain date is Sept. 12.
Parking is available at an adjacent lot. Call 215-625-FLEA or visit www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org.
Meanwhile, indoor/outdoor flea markets take place Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 260 W. Swedesford Road (Route 252) in Berwyn, next to McDonald’s. The market is closed Sept. 11. The vendor cost is $40 under a shaded canopy, or $50 or $80 indoors. Call 484-320-8380. ••
Sign up for Mill Street Run
The 53rd Mill Street Run will take place in Bristol on Saturday, Sept. 11.
The route is 3.1 miles.
An open run is scheduled for 8 a.m. There will be awards in age group divisions. The cost is $25, with proceeds going to Bucks County Rescue Squad. To enter, visit https://runsignup.com/millstreetrun.
There are three high school races: varsity girls at 8:45 a.m., varsity boys at 9:30 and mixed JV at 10:15. Awards will be given out at 11 a.m. at the wharf at the Delaware River.
High school teams that are scheduled to compete are Little Flower, Bristol, Bensalem, Pennsbury, Conwell-Egan, George School, St. Joseph’s Prep, Central, New Hope-Solebury, Solebury School, Jenkintown, Merion Mercy, Upper Dublin, Interboro and Collegium Charter.
John Mundy organizes the event, with Tim Scanlon and Patrick Mulhern handling issues such as awards, timing and traffic.
High school teams that want to enter the run can call Mundy at 215-801-0342. ••
9/11 commemoration at St. James
St. James Lutheran Church, Castor Avenue and Pratt Street, will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m.
The event will feature a service, participation by police officers and firefighters, a citation read by state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, a performance by a praise dance team, patriotic songs, saxophone reflection time and a keynote address by the Rev. Clarence Miller. ••
Community day on Saturday
Kids Smiles, 185 Franklin Mills Blvd., will host a back-to-school community day on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event will feature free dental screenings, family fun activities, refreshments, giveaways and raffle prizes.
The day will include appearances by representatives of Action Karate Parkwood, Northeast YMCA and Liberty Bell Youth Organization.
For more information, call 215-492-9291 or visit kidssmiles.org. ••
Frankford history update
The Northeast Philadelphia History Network will hold a Facebook Live address by John Buffington on the current activities of the Historical Society of Frankford on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
Buffington will also read a paper, The History of the Dummy Car, by Thomas Creighton, first delivered to the Society in 1916.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoricalSocietyofFrankford/. ••
Bingo on Saturday
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, located at Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will be holding bingo on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Doors will open at noon. Packages are $20 and include lunch. Masks are required.
Call 215-423-0792. ••
Dog-themed charity event
Bark for Life, an American Cancer Society event, will be held on Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Neshaminy State Park, 3401 State Road, Pavilion 1, Bensalem.
Dog families and dog lovers are invited for activities and doggie games and contests, with prizes. There will be vendors, a doggie photo booth, snacks, entertainment and rescue adoptions for dogs and cats.
All proceeds go to the local American Cancer Society.
To become a sponsor or vendor, email [email protected] or call 215-245-6607.
For more information, visit https://go.rallyup.com/bflbensalem. ••
Heirlooms to be displayed
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be hosting a virtual general meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m. The program is going to focus on members presenting family heirlooms or valued treasures with their special history. There is no charge. For the meeting link or more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
Job fair Sept. 15
Local job seekers looking for a new career are invited to the Bucks County Fall Job Fair on Sept. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Barnes & Noble Court at Neshaminy Mall.
Hosted by RecruitmentQueen, the career fair features positions in various industries, including education, healthcare, customer service, banking, CDL truck driving and manufacturing.
In all, more than 200 jobs will be available at the fair.
Professional attire is recommended. Call 267-981-5976. ••
Online bariatric session
Nazareth Hospital will hold its next bariatric information session online on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Nazareth’s bariatric surgeons and discover how the hospital can help patients address their weight-loss goals.
To register for an online information session or learn more about bariatric weight-loss surgery, call 215-335-2090. ••
Apply for community grant
The Anna T. Jeanes Foundation, which supports Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, is asking for applications for its 2022 Community Grants Program.
Grants are awarded annually to provide funding for projects that promote the health and wellness of communities in the hospital’s service areas. Criteria include a project’s merit, community impact and the availability of funds.
Applications will be accepted until Sept. 15. Funds must be used within one year of receipt.
Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply, and must provide a copy of their tax exemption letter from the IRS and a completed W-9 form.
Organizations applying for grants must be located within or serve one of the following ZIP codes: 19012, 19027, 19111, 19115, 19120, 19149, 19152, 19006, 19046, 19095, 19114, 19116, 19124, 19126, 19135, 19136 and 19154.
To request an application form, contact Rosemarie Schlegel at 215-728-2131 or [email protected]. ••
Local 9/11 events
The annual Peter K. Ortale Run for Peace will take place on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Penn Charter, 3000 W. School House Lane in East Falls.
The event is in memory of Northwood native Peter Ortale, who was killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
Ortale grew up on the 4900 block of Castor Ave. and attended St. Martin of Tours, Penn Charter and Duke University, where he graduated in 1987 and was a three-year All-American lacrosse player.
At the time of his death, at age 37, he was working for Euro Brokers on the 84th floor of the World Trade Center’s South Tower in New York. He was among 61 employees and friends of Euro Brokers who died that day.
For more information, go to penncharter.com/peace.
Meanwhile, the annual Alisha C. Levin Run to Remember will take place on Saturday, Sept. 25, at Northeast High School, 1601 Cottman Ave.
Levin, who grew up on the 1300 block of Wells St. in Castor Gardens, was killed in the terrorist attacks. She was 33.
Levin was a 1986 graduate of Northeast. She later graduated from Hofstra University. She worked for three years for Fuji Bank in the World Trade Center’s South Tower.
On the day of the attacks, terrorists first crashed an airplane into the North Tower. Seventeen minutes later, a plane struck the South Tower.
Fuji Bank, which occupied the 79th through 82nd floors, lost 23 employees. Levin was the company’s vice president of human resources.
Proceeds will benefit college scholarships for National Honor Society students at Northeast High.
For more information, visit alishalevinmemorial.org. ••
Change in prison count
The Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission voted 3-2 to count tens of thousands of state prisoners as residents of their most recent home, not the location of the prison.
The two commission Democrats voted for the proposal while the two Republicans voted against it. Commission chairman Mark Nordenberg, a Democrat appointed by the Democratic-controlled Supreme Court, cast the deciding vote for the proposal.
“This practice disproportionately impacted communities of color and stole their political power while falsely inflating districts that just happened to have a prison within their boundaries,” said Free the Ballot statewide organizer Monica Banks.
Pennsylvania becomes the 12th state, all run by Democrats, to have laws requiring that incarcerated people be counted at their home addresses for the purposes of drawing legislative district lines.
“We commend chair Mark Nordenberg on his thoughtful and thorough analysis of the issue and to his ongoing commitment to transparency, fairness and equity in the legislative redistricting process,” said Khalif Ali, executive director of Common Cause Pennsylvania. ••
Bingo resumes at senior center
The Rosemary Montagno Senior Center, 12601 Townsend Road, has reopened after being closed since March 2020.
The center opens weekdays for activities, including bingo, at 10 a.m.
The kitchen remains closed.
Call 215-673-7734. ••
Coach bag bingo on Sept. 17
Wesley Enhanced Living Pennypack will hold Coach bag bingo on Friday, Sept. 17, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road.
The cost is $50 and includes beer, wine, soda and a buffet. Doors open at 6. Bingo begins at 7:30.
Tickets are available through Sept. 10. Email Megan Boran at [email protected] or Nikia Wyche at [email protected]. Wyche’s number is 215-429-7950. ••
Local biz has new owner
Alro Steel has acquired Metal Stock, 4901 Cottman Ave.
Metal Stock was established in 1994 as a full-service metal distributor serving Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
Alro operates more than 70 locations in 12 states and provides an inventory of products under the following companies: Alro Steel, Alro Metals, Alro Metals Outlet, Alro Industrial Supply and Alro Plastics. ••
St. Leo reunion at Cannstatter
St. Leo alums are hosting an all-class reunion on Oct. 16, from 3-8 p.m., at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road.
Tickets cost $50 plus $3.94 in fees, and include food, open bar, live musical entertainment by two bands and a DJ. The party will be indoor and outdoor.
For more information, email Pete Smith at [email protected]. ••
Debate over opioids
State Rep. Jason Dawkins made the following statement addressing the Republican denial of an extension on Gov. Tom Wolf’s opioid emergency declaration:
“It is shameful that the majority party has decided to allow for the lapse of this very important designation. Opioid addiction is Pennsylvania’s other epidemic and was at one point moving in the right direction, with overdose deaths falling since 2018. But with COVID-19, opioid use is up again, but this time the Republican majority has decided to let the governor’s opioid disaster declaration expire, setting up Pennsylvania for yet another healthcare war to wage in addition to COVID. It is shameful, particularly when we know things were working. The Republicans punishing Gov. Wolf and trying to cut him out of this process does nothing for the many people who battle this every day. As our city has seen the harsh reality of this as much as any municipality in the commonwealth, it is with much regret that we are witnessing the dismantling of such an important declaration.”
Republicans said an additional emergency declaration is not needed, adding that collaboration with medical professionals and first responders have resulted in numerous laws aimed at saving lives. They said the opioid issue will be a top legislative priority in the fall. ••
Flea market at St. James
St. James Lutheran Church, Castor Avenue and Pratt Street, will hold an outdoor flea market on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To reserve table space, call 215-743-1828. ••
Outdoor movie nights
Riverfront North Partnership will host a series of free outdoor movies along the river parks at sundown. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs/blankets and snacks.
The schedule is Sept. 21, Onward, Pleasant Hill Park, 8900 N. Delaware Ave.; Oct. 5, Space Jam (original), Pennypack on the Delaware, 7801 State Road; and Oct. 19, Hocus Pocus, Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave. ••
Shredding, recycling on Sept. 25
State Sen. Christine Tartaglione will hold a free document-shredding and electronics recycling event on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon, in Wissinoming Park, 5773 Frankford Ave. (entrance on Cheltenham Avenue).
For more information, call 215-533-0440. ••
Sign up for golf outing
The 31st Northeast Catholic Alumni Association-Little Flower Golf Classic will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 28, at North Hills Country Club, with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.
The day will include a silent auction, hole-in-one contest, buffet luncheon, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner and awards.
The cost is $180 per golfer. Non-golfers pay $80 for lunch, dinner and cocktails, $65 for dinner and cocktails and $25 for lunch.
Sponsors are needed.
Proceeds will benefit scholarships and tuition assistance.
Call the North alumni association at 215-543-1051 or Little Flower at 215-455-6900. ••
Rhawnhurst Civic meeting
Rhawnhurst Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. at Pelbano Playground, at Bustleton and Solly avenues. ••
Movie night at All Saints’ Torresdale
All Saints’ Torresdale will host an outdoor movie night on Friday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. on the church field, 9601 Frankford Ave.
A family-friendly Pixar movie will be shown.
Bring your own chairs and blankets. Food is permitted. No alcoholic beverages.
Call 215-637-8787. ••
Opening meeting for Sisterhood
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be holding its annual opening meeting on Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.
The program will feature special guest speaker Louis Schmidt, author of The Untold Story of How The Stories Were Told. Schmidt worked as an interviewer for Steven Spielberg for the Shoah Project. The cost for this event is $18 per person. Payment needs to be received by Sept. 23. For the meeting link or more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
Senior fair on Sept. 25
State Rep. Jared Solomon will hold a senior fair on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at St. William hall, 6200 Rising Sun Ave.
The entrance is at Argyle and Robbins streets.
There will be state and local government resources, representatives from hospitals and insurance companies, local businesses, senior homes, light refreshments, free flu and COVID-19 vaccines, expired medicine disposal, a presentation on scam prevention and blood pressure screenings.
To RSVP, call 215-342-6340. ••
Bingo/lunch at country club
The Sisterhood of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai will be holding a bingo on Sunday, Oct. 24, at Philmont Country Club, 301 Tomlinson Road in Huntingdon Valley.
Price is $36 and includes lunch and three bingo cards
For reservations, call 267-481-0493. ••
Farm stand open
The farm stand on the Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus is open Thursdays through Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Goods for sale include fresh fruits, vegetables, cage-free brown eggs, cheeses, apple butter, pumpkin butter and raw honey. Items vary week to week.
The stand is located next to Parking Lot C on campus grounds, 7600 Central Ave.
Contact Rosemarie Schlegel at 215-728-2131 or [email protected]. ••
Tickets on sale for XPN festival
Tickets are on sale for WXPN’s XPoNential Music Festival, scheduled for Sept. 17-19 at Wiggins Park and the adjacent BB&T Pavilion on the Camden waterfront.
Performers will include Tedeschi Trucks: Fireside Live, with special guest Pigeons Playing Ping Pong; Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers; Great Time; Anna Shoemaker; Arthur Thomas and the Funkitorium; Stella Ruze; and Hoochi Coochi.
For more information, go to xpnfest.org. ••
Southern celebration
Old York Temple – Beth Am, 971 Old York Road, Abington, will host Hora Down, a Southern-style celebration featuring Southern-style food and square dancing, on Sept. 18, from 5-8 p.m.
Tickets cost $36 for adults and $10 for children.
To register or for more information, visit https://www.oyrtbetham.org/ or call 215-886-8000. ••
Program on first ladies
America’s first ladies will be the theme of a special four-part historical series offered to active older adults 50 years and above at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on Mondays, Oct. 4, 11 and 18 and Nov. 1, from noon to 1:15 p.m. The public is invited.
To sign up for the program, send a check or money order for $30 payable to Widener University to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Hyatt Hall, Suite 118, 1 University Place, West Chester, PA 19013-5792.
For additional information, contact OLLI at [email protected] or 610-499-4279. ••
