Local man honored
Sean Hand, 33, a Mayfair native and Father Judge High School graduate, was among the 2021 Ten Outstanding Young Americans honored by Jaycees International USA at the 83rd annual black-tie awards ceremony in September in St. Louis.
Hand was recognized in the Business Development, Public Speaker category.
Each year, JCI USA recognizes the accomplishments of individuals who are outstanding in various areas.
To order Hand’s book or invite him to speak, email him at sean@awkwardnetworker.com. ••
Join St. Jerome seniors
The St. Jerome seniors group is seeking new members.
The first meeting is Thursday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m.
The group holds parties and goes on trips.
To register, call Joann Blaney at 215-677-8392. ••
Henon, Dougherty trial underway
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced the start of the trial for City Councilman Bobby Henon and electricians union boss John Dougherty.
Jury selection began and ended Monday in what is expected to be a month-long trial in Courtroom 12-B of the federal courthouse at 6th and Market streets. Twelve jurors and six alternates heard opening arguments on Tuesday.
The government alleges that the defendants were engaged in a scheme in which Henon received a salary, benefits and other items of value from Dougherty, paid for with union funds. In exchange, Henon allegedly used his position to serve Dougherty’s interests within city government.
Henon and Dougherty deny such a scheme. ••
E-cycling, recycling buckets
City Councilman Brian O’Neill will hold an e-cycling event at his office at Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street (above the 7th Police District) on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9-11 a.m.
O’Neill will host a recycling bucket giveaway on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9-11 a.m. at his office at 432 Rhawn St. (behind American Heritage Credit Union). ••
Learn self-care strategies
Holy Family University will host Self-Care Strategies: Pandemic and Post-Pandemic, on Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at its Education and Technology Center building, 9801 Frankford Ave. (at Grant Avenue).
To register for the free session, visit www.holyfamily.edu/familycenter, email familycenter@holyfamily.edu or call 267-341-3305. ••
Barbera pays football fees
Gary Barbera and his Barbera Cares Program, in partnership with state Rep. Jared Solomon, on Saturday provided the necessary registration fees for 21 boys to participate on a football team at Max Myers Recreation Center.
Coach Anthony Ruff of the 215 Falcons contacted Solomon’s office to ask for financial assistance for the players whose families could not afford the registration fees and uniform costs.
“We know our communities are struggling and if we can help some young students get on the football field to learn life lessons and play a sport they love, then we are all for it,” Barbera said. ••
Book discussion at Holy Family
Holy Family University will host a discussion of the book St. Joseph, Tender Father on Thursday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at the campus chapel, 9801 Frankford Ave.
To register for the free session, visit www.holyfamily.edu/familycenter, email familycenter@holyfamily.edu or call 267-341-3305. ••
Learn about Civil War museum
The Northeast Philadelphia History Network will hold a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m.
Civil War historian and retired Temple professor Andy Waskie will discuss the history of the Grand Army of the Republic and the GAR Civil War Museum, which is moving from Frankford to Holmesburg.
Join at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89462864991?pwd=M3B2dnhSU3JDSVZERVNLT09HUkxJdz09.
The ID is 894 6286 4991. The passcode is 680730. ••
Depression screening
PATH (People Acting To Help) Inc. will be providing free wellness and depression screenings at Health Center #10, 2230 Cottman Ave., on Thursday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The screening is free, anonymous and open to all.
To learn more about PATH, visit www.pathcenter.org. ••
March in Thanksgiving parade
Groups of any kind are invited to participate in the 44th Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade, which will take place on Sunday, Nov. 21, at noon on Frankford Avenue.
Groups are welcome to create their own family-friendly floats.
Anyone interested in marching in the parade can call Lisa Greco at 215-624-6667 or Donny Smith at 267-538-4668, or email info@thanksgivingparade.org. ••
Doo Wop Festival at FOP
The Doo Wop Festival will take place on Sunday, Oct. 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road.
There will be an indoor dance party, vocal groups and oldies radio disc jockeys.
The event is rain or shine.
Tickets cost $25 and include food, soda and draft beer. They are available at the FOP front desk, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All proceeds benefit the FOP survivors fund.
Call 215-629-3602. ••
Big honor for Ryan student
Archbishop Ryan’s Joseph Tangradi is one of seven archdiocesan high school students named semifinalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. ••
JEVS expanding educational opportunities
JEVS Human Services recently partnered with University of Massachusetts Global to expand educational opportunities through JEVS EduConnect.
The program connects Philadelphia-area adults with an accredited, flexible online education option they need to achieve a college degree.
A JEVS success coach works with the student from enrollment through to the end of their degree program.
“We are thrilled with the extent to which UMass Global has expanded JEVS’ ability to serve the Greater Philadelphia community, and their commitment to serving nontraditional students,” said Jessica Baer, director of EduConnect at JEVS Human Services.
Prospective students interested in learning about JEVS EduConnect can sign up for a free webinar. The program is offering a webinar – Focus on the FAFSA — on Oct. 13. Sign up at https://www.jevshumanservices.org/educonnect-events or email educonnect@jevs.org. ••
Business group backs Brobson
The National Federation of Independent Business political action committee endorsed Commonwealth Court Judge Kevin Brobson for election to the state Supreme Court.
“On behalf of all NFIB members and small business owners across Pennsylvania, we look forward to supporting Judge Brobson throughout his candidacy,” said NFIB state director Greg Moreland. “As a current member of the Commonwealth Court, Judge Brobson has shown his ability to fairly interpret the law as intended by its writers. Judge Brobson is a thoughtful, intelligent and experienced jurist who will serve the commonwealth exceptionally.”
Brobson, a Republican, faces Democrat Maria McLaughlin, a Superior Court judge. ••
Hohenstein wants black/Hispanic studies
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein is co-sponsoring Rep. Danilo Burgos’ legislation (H.B. 1931) that would include the teaching of black and Hispanic history in school curriculum.
“African American and Latino history are American history. The story of these underrepresented groups must go beyond Black History Month and Latino Heritage Month,” Burgos said. ••
Trees coming to Holmesburg, Frankford
Riverfront North Partnership announced that it received $50,000 from the Arbor Day Foundation’s Community Resilience Grant program in partnership with Bank of America.
Riverfront North plans to use the grant to plant and give away 350 trees with the TTF Watershed Partnership in Holmesburg and Frankford.
“We are excited and grateful to work with our communities, the City of Philadelphia, TreePhilly and TTF Watershed to bring more trees to Holmesburg and Frankford,” said Stephanie Phillips, executive director, Riverfront North Partnership, “We are glad to do our part in supporting the City’s goal to have at least 30% tree canopy in every neighborhood.” ••
St. Leo reunion at Cannstatter
St. Leo alums, former parishioners and friends are hosting an all-class reunion on Oct. 16, from 3-8 p.m., at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road.
Tickets cost $50, and include a barbecue menu, open bar, live musical entertainment by three bands, a performance by the Emerald Isle Irish Dancers, a historic display of the church and school and a DJ. The party will be indoor and outdoor. All guests will receive a commemorative stone from the church building.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to Father Judge and St. Hubert’s scholarship programs in the name of St. Leo alumni.
For more information, email Pete Smith at petercsmith66@gmail.com. ••
Local residents honored
At its annual Spotlight Awards and Scholarship Launch, Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia recognized the academic achievements of nine Northeast Philadelphia students and the positive impact of one Northeast parent.
The David P. Montgomery Rising Freshman Award was presented to Zakiyah Allen (Frankford resident), Ayli Calderon (Rhawnhurst), Lindsay Critelli (Somerton), Nicholas Rodriguez (Mayfair), Marcos Tigreros (Torresdale), Gabriella Wajeda (Fox Chase) and Isaiah Welsh (Mayfair).
CSFP’s Rising Freshman Award is given to students who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their school through growth and resilience, positive leadership, school spirit and academic achievement and/or creative expression in arts, writing or music.
The High School Achievement Award was presented to Shannon Frank (Wissinoming) and Victoria Tran (Fox Chase).
CSFP’s High School Achievement Award is given to former CSFP scholarship recipients in recognition of their successes as they graduate high school with intent to attend college.
The Family Engagement Award was presented to Allyson Batista (Mayfair). CSFP’s Family Engagement Award is presented to the parent or guardian of a CSFP eighth-grader who has proven themselves to be a strong example for their student. ••
Art program at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd on the Delaware, 5001 Grant Ave., announced the launch of its inaugural Teen Arts program.
Jihan Thomas will conduct the semester-long program, made possible with the support of the Connelly Foundation,
Eight sophomores, juniors and seniors from Northeast High School, St. Hubert, Central, Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush and Maritime Academy Charter School will be participating. All the participants will have the opportunity to create new original projects and will receive a $250 stipend for their involvement in the program. ••
Concert on Oct. 23
John Primerano will perform The Soundtrack of Your Life on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Kelly Center, 4 E. Eagle Road, in Havertown.
Primerano will perform popular songs from the 1940s through the ‘80s.
For tickets, go to https://kellycenter.ticketleap.com/john-primeranothe-soundtrack-of-your-life/. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Bingo on Saturday
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will be having bingo on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 1-4 p.m.
Doors will open at noon. Packages are $20 and include lunch. Masks are required.
Call 215-423-0792. ••
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. For the meeting link or more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
Nashville-Memphis trip
Polish American Cultural Center Happy Travelers are organizing a seven-day trip to Nashville and Memphis from Oct. 10-16.
The trip will consist of two nights in Gaylords Opryland, tickets to the Grand Ole Opry, Elvis experience in Graceland with a tour of his mansion and guided tours of Nashville and Memphis.
Call Theresa Romanowski at 215-813-2780 or 215-922-1700. ••
Solomon cheers study
State Rep. Jared Solomon announced that leaders in the General Assembly approved a study on reforms that PA One, which he chairs, recommended to save costs and streamline services within state government operations.
“The purpose of these reforms is to enable our government to operate more efficiently, conserve taxpayer resources and promote an ethic of reform,” Solomon said. “After two decades, I’m thrilled to finally see these reforms coming to Pennsylvania.”
The reforms being studied include merging services for in-house printing, messenger services and bulk purchasing. Typically, these services are split along party lines with each party awarding contracts to different vendors. ••
Outdoor movie night
Riverfront North Partnership will host a free outdoor movie, Hocus Pocus, at sundown on Oct. 19, at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs/blankets and snacks. ••
Upcoming senior expos
State Sen. Tina Tartaglione will hold two senior expos on upcoming Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The first is set for Oct. 21 at Mayfair Community Center, 2990 St. Vincent St. The second is scheduled for Oct. 28 at Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Ave.
Masks are required.
All senior citizens and their primary caregivers are invited. Representatives from various government agencies as well as public and private service providers will be available to discuss programs and services for older Philadelphians.
Call 215-291-4653. ••
Theater show at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., will present The Poison Garden, designed and performed by Alterra Productions, on Oct. 22, 24, 25 and 26, from 7 to 9 p.m.
The show will feature theatrical action and choreography led by a troupe of actors, circus artists and aerialists.
Tickets for the premiere event are $75 and include hors d’oeuvres and craft cocktails. Tickets for the other nights are $35.
Call 215-632-5330 or visit www.glenfoerd.org/events. ••
Wine tasting at St. Hubert
The St. Hubert Alumnae Association is sponsoring a wine tasting on Sunday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Tickets are $35. Main Street Wine Cellar will feature wines from Crossing Vineyards Winery paired with Halloween candy.
People must be 21 to attend. Masks are required.
For tickets, email shaawinetasting@gmail.com. ••
Session on vaccine
Holy Family University will host The Science Behind the Vaccine on Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at its Education and Technology Center, 9801 Frankford Ave. (at Grant Avenue).
To register for the free session, visit www.holyfamily.edu/familycenter, email familycenter@holyfamily.edu or call 267-341-3305. ••
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 rosemarie.schlegel@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
Historic Bristol Day on Oct. 16
After a year’s hiatus because of the pandemic, the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation will present the 45th Historic Bristol Day on Saturday, Oct. 16 (rain or shine), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The day’s highlights include a car show honoring first responders (military, fire, police and EMTs), an antique and classic boat show, sailboat regatta, house and garden tour and riverfront Tea, entertainment, crafters and vendors, food court, children’s corner, walking tours, art exhibit, bake table and various public buildings and churches open for touring, including the recently renovated Grundy Museum.
There is free parking and shuttle transportation. The wearing of masks in indoor facilities is mandated, in some cases.
AMI Health will be administering COVID-19 vaccine inoculations.
A minimum donation of $5 per person is requested for the house/garden tour and tea wristband.
For details, check BCHF’s website at http://bristolhistory.org. ••
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 or more information, call 267-481-0493. ••
Craft show at St. Hubert
The St. Hubert Alumnae Association is sponsoring a fall craft show on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the school cafeteria.
There will be handmade items from a variety of crafters.
Tables are sold out. ••
Pierogi Festival on Nov. 6
The annual Pierogi Festival will take place on Saturday, Nov. 6, from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 7, from noon to 5 p.m. at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, 817 N. 7th St. (at Brown Street).
The menu will include traditional Eastern European food.
There will be outdoor dining, a beer garden under tents and live music.
Pickup and takeout food is available.
Free parking is available in the adjacent lot.
To pre-order or for more information, call 215-922-9671, visit stnicholaseoc.org/donate/pierogi or check out the church’s Facebook or Instagram pages. ••
Annual Shabbat on Nov. 19
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will host its annual Sisterhood Shabbat service both in person and virtually on Friday, Nov. 19, at 7:45 p.m. The Sisterhood will conduct the service, and all members are invited to participate in either English or Hebrew readings. There is no charge. For those attending on Zoom, provide your email address so the link can be sent to you. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Upcoming bus trip, cruise
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to the Mt. Hope Estate’s holiday dinner theater in Manheim, Lancaster County, on Nov. 29. Cost is $115.
The group is sponsoring a cruise to Charleston and Bermuda, June 2-12, 2022, on the Celebrity Summit, sailing from Cape Liberty, in North Jersey. Rates range from $1,577 to $2,387 per person, double occupancy.
Call 215-788-9408 for information and reservations. ••
