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. ••
Celebrate Halloween
The Lawncrest Youth Council will hold its second annual Halloween celebration on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 4-8 p.m. at Trinity Church, Oxford, 601 Longshore Ave.
The event is co-hosted by state Sen. Tina Tartaglione, City Councilwoman Cherelle Parker and state Rep. Jared Solomon.
There will be a trunk or treat, music, arts and crafts, a costume contest, games and prizes.
Admission is free, and costumes are encouraged. Email [email protected] ••.
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. ••
Sessions on superintendent search
The Board of Education will hold listening sessions for the public to weigh in on what they want to see in the next superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia.
To register, visit https://www.philasd.org/schoolboard/search/.
Local sessions will be Thursday, Oct. 21, at Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush, and Friday, Oct. 22, at Mayfair School.
Both sessions are 2:30 to 5 p.m. ••
Vogt Seniors looking for members
Vogt Seniors, 6700 Cottage St., are looking for new members. Meetings are Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. There are no steps.
The group has speakers, some lunches, bingo and trips.
Call 215-624-6764 for more information. ••
A helping hand
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Martina White to increase scholarships for students attending economically disadvantaged schools has passed the House.
“We must find ways to reach more students trapped in underperforming schools,” White said. “My legislation will change the Public School Code so more schools that are failing our kids would qualify as disadvantaged schools and give their students the chance to earn a scholarship and find a school to provide them a better education. While the Economically Disadvantaged Schools program has had a positive impact for some families in Pennsylvania, changes are needed to fine tune the program and to meet increased demand.”
House Bill 1642 would change the Public School Code to change the economically disadvantaged school threshold from at least 75% to 51% of students receiving an Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit scholarship in the previous school year.
The legislation would also allow eligible elementary and middle school students to receive up to $2,000 in scholarships, and eligible high school students to receive up to $4,000. Currently, eligible students can receive up to $1,000.
Students are eligible to receive a scholarship if their household’s annual income is no greater than $96,676 plus $17,017 for each dependent member of the household.
Democratic Reps. Mike Driscoll and Ed Neilson voted for the bill. Democratic Reps. Jason Dawkins, Isabella Fitzgerald, Nancy Guenst, Joe Hohenstein and Jared Solomon voted against it. Rep. Kevin Boyle was excused. ••
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 [email protected] or call 267-341-3305. ••
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. ••
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 [email protected] or call 267-341-3305. ••
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 [email protected] or call 267-341-3305. ••
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 [email protected]. ••
Poetry reading tonight
Northeast poets Diane Sahms-Guarnieri and g emil reutter will perform their first reading since 2019 on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. at Fergie’s Pub, 1214 Sansom St.
Sahms-Guarnieri will read from Covid 19 2020 – A Poetic Journal, while reutter will read from Poems of the Pennypack. The reading is sponsored by Moonstone Arts Center. Admission is free.
You can also watch on Zoom at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84308329737?pwd=RjJUdCtJVXRySjlvMHdXakJRRzVmUT09. ••
Honor Vietnam War casualties
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 266 will be doing its 25th annual name reading at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Front and Spruce streets, on Oct. 23, at noon, rain or shine. Members of the public are invited to show their respect for the 648 men and women from Philadelphia who died in the Vietnam War. Chapter 266 is also looking for new members. Call Chuck Bauer at 215-722-3518. ••
Shredding for seniors
There will be a free shredding event for seniors on Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Dedicated Senior Medical Center, 6431 Sackett St. ••
Free pet adoption
Doll 10 Beauty is partnering with Women’s Animal Center, 3839 Richlieu Road in Bensalem, as sponsor of a free pet adoption event on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Dolls for Paws Adoption Event will feature family activities, pumpkin painting, food, refreshments and a chance to win raffle prizes. All adoption fees will be fully covered by Doll 10 Beauty.
In addition to waived adoption fees, all event-day adoptions include spaying or neutering, vaccinations, microchip, flea/tick treatment, free and discounted veterinary services and adoption gift bags.
Adoption applications and information on some of the currently adoptable dogs, cats and small domestic animals can be accessed at www.womensanimalcenter.org. ••
Relive Super Bowl season
Wavelength Productions will be presenting the first public screening of Maybe This Year, the documentary film on the Philadelphia Eagles football team and their incredible 2017 Super Bowl-winning season – as seen from the perspective of some of their most die-hard fans – at the PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
In addition to the screening, guests will have the opportunity to receive branded giveaways, while supplies last.
To purchase tickets for the screening, visit https://filmadelphia.org/events/maybe-this-year/. ••
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 [email protected]. ••
Vendor alert
Delaire Landing, 9355 State Road, will hold a vendor fair on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event will be in the parking lot by the tennis courts. All proceeds will go to a Philadelphia police officer battling stage-four metastatic breast cancer.
The rain date is Sunday, Nov. 7.
To reserve a space, email [email protected]. ••
Clothing drive, bus trip
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a clothing drive on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham, from 9 a.m. to noon. Gently used clothing, accessories, books and small trinkets in bags or boxed will be accepted.
Meanwhile the chapter is running a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, May 14, 2022 to see the Broadway production of The Music Man. The cost is $345, which includes orchestra seating and round-trip motor coach. Bus leaves from 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham. Call Harriet at 215-969-8366 for tickets.
These events support cancer research and compassionate patient care. ••
It’s Blockoween
The Block Gives Back will be holding Blockoween on Friday, October 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. on the 6700 and 6800 blocks of Torresdale Ave.
The street will be closed for the trunk-or-treat event. The Block Gives Back will be joined by the offices of state Rep. Joe Hohenstein and City Councilman Bobby Henon, nonprofits and local businesses to give out lots of free candy.
There will be bouncy houses, a DJ, movie night, a popcorn machine, pumpkin painting, carnival games and prizes for best dressed. ••
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. ••
Sheriffs backing GOP judicial candidates
The Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association Action political action committee has given its endorsement to all four Republican statewide judicial candidates.
Those candidates are Kevin Brobson for Supreme Court, Megan Sullivan for Superior Court, and Drew Crompton and Stacy Wallace for Commonwealth Court.
“[The GOP judicial candidates’] leadership on the Commonwealth Court, commitment to prosecuting and bringing offenders to justice, commitment to the law, and support of law enforcement issues was key to the decision by the committee,” said the PAC. “We look forward to working with [them] in the future.”
State GOP chairman Lawrence Tabas said, “The PA Sheriffs’ Association Action PAC understands the immense responsibility of being entrusted with the safety and security of our families, and they know how important it is to have judges that will uphold the rule of law. It is a great honor to have the support of the Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association Action PAC, and together, we will fight to keep Pennsylvania a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.” ••
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. ••
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. ••
New gynecologist at Nazareth
Nazareth Physician Services welcomes gynecologist Dr. Jyothi Rangadhama, who practices at Nazareth Health Red Lion Road, at 9922 Roosevelt Blvd.
To make an appointment, call 215-333-4894. ••
Get a recycling bucket
City Councilman Brian O’Neill will hold 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). ••
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/. ••
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 [email protected]. ••
Literacy, goodies on Oct. 27
Torresdale Playground, 9550 Frankford Ave., will hold a family literacy festival on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The office of Councilman Bobby Henon will provide goodies, snacks and a literacy activity. The Dining Car will hand out Halloween cookies and goodies. Thunderbird Lanes will hold a raffle for a bowling party for five. Torresdale Library will give away school supplies and lanyards, offer literacy activities and provide a free book for anyone who signs up for a library card. The Friends of Torresdale Library and the Torresdale Playground Advisory Council will sponsor literacy games and activities and distribute prizes. ••
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]. ••
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. ••
Sisterhood meeting Nov. 9
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a virtual general meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7:30 p.m.
The program will be a presentation by Jim Palmquist, a past president of AARP – Pennsylvania. He will speak about civic engagement, volunteerism and local advocacy.
There is no charge for this evening, but the group will need your email address to send the link for the meeting. Call 215-677-1600. ••
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. ••
Bingo!
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is hosting a virtual bingo on two consecutive Mondays, Dec. 6 and 13, starting at 7:30 p.m.
The cost is $36 per person and includes two cards for eight games of bingo each night. There is also a 50/50 for $5 that will be drawn on Dec. 13.
Send your payment to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, attention: Bingo. Payment must be received no later than Nov. 24, and you must include your email address for the link to be sent to you.
Call Gerry or Nancy at 215-677-1600. ••
Christmas coming to Mayfair
The Mayfair Christmas Village and Tree Lighting will take place on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Frankford, Cottman and Ryan avenues.
There will be vendors, music and drinks.
The event is sponsored by the Mayfair Business Improvement District and Community Development Corporation. ••
Kimmel finally reopening on Oct. 20
The Kimmel Cultural Campus is announcing the return of live Broadway programming to Philadelphia in the fall.
Here is the schedule through next summer: Hamilton (Oct. 20 to Nov. 28, Academy of Music); Rain – A Tribute to The Beatles (Oct. 29-31, Merriam Theater); Anastasia (Nov. 23-28, Merriam Theater); Stomp (Dec. 28 to Jan. 2, Merriam Theater); Pretty Woman: The Musical (Jan. 4-16, Academy of Music); Hadestown (Feb. 9-20, Academy of Music); Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (Feb. 22-27, Academy of Music); Rent: 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour (March 4-6, Merriam Theater); Oklahoma! (March 8-20, Forrest Theatre); Waitress (March 29 to April 3, Academy of Music); Hairspray (May 16-22, Merriam Theater); To Kill A Mockingbird (July 12-24, Academy of Music); and Dear Evan Hansen (Aug. 16-28, Forrest Theatre).
For more information, call 215-893-1955 or visit kimmelcenter.org. ••
