Riverfront North offering events
Riverfront North Partnership has several upcoming events.
Freedom on the Delaware River: The Maritime Underground Railroad will take place on Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. The discussion will be led by walking artist Ken Johnston. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkdOivqD8rE9MV9jjigVkRsJ31DF-7Ux2a.
A hot cocoa walk along the river is set for Saturday, Feb. 19, from 1-3 p.m. at Pennypack on the Delaware park, 7801 State Road. Hot beverages will be provided. Register at riverfrontnorth.org/naturewalks.
An art and nature walk and watercolor painting is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 20, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Lardner’s Point Park, 5202 Levick St. The walk will focus on birds, with Tacony LAB overseeing the painting. Register at riverfrontnorth.org/events. ••
Quizzo at Ryan
The Archbishop Ryan lacrosse team will hold a Quizzo Night on Friday, April 1, in the South cafeteria of the school, 11201 Academy Road.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Quizzo begins at 7:30.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tables of eight can be reserved.
It’s a BYOB/snacks event. There will be a 50/50, raffle baskets, an extra cash round, mulligans and a cash prize.
For tickets, email ArchRyanLax@gmail.com. ••
Zoning issues in Somerton
A home addition has been proposed for the property at 10201 Clark St. that would require a zoning variance. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Somerton Civic Association is hosting an online substitute for an in-person meeting to provide Somerton residents the chance to ask questions and make comments, to receive answers and responses from the zoning applicant, and to vote on whether to support or oppose a variance. To participate, visit Somerton Civic Association’s website, https://sites.google.com/view/somertoncivic, and follow the instructions there. Questions and comments are due by Feb. 17 and Feb. 23, and votes are due by Feb. 27.
Meanwhile, a new use has been proposed for the property at 626-630 Byberry Road that would require a zoning variance. To vote, visit the website above by Feb. 17. ••
South Phila. HS class of ‘68 reunion
The South Philadelphia High School Class of 1968 will hold its 55th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St. Tickets cost $60 and include buffet dinner and open bar. For tickets and more information, call Arleen Liberi [609-922-2419], Maria Leati [856-287-3734] or Stephen Michielli [267-252-2740]. ••
Honor a veteran
The deadline is March 5 to order a 12″x12″ granite paver to be in place by Memorial Day at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial, at Front and Spruce streets. The donation is $400, and is used to maintain the site that honors the 648 Philadelphians who died during the Vietnam War. The pavers can be personalized to honor any veteran’s service. Fee includes four lines of text with 21 units per line. For more information, contact Sandy Bukowski at 267-253-2965 or veapdd214@gmail.com. ••
New medical director for Russian program
Roosevelt Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, a 240-bed skilled nursing facility at 7800 Bustleton Ave., welcomes Dr. Alex Mepari as medical director for its Russian cultural program.
Residents enjoy authentic cuisine prepared in house, special Russian cultural programming and recreational activities and complimentary Kartina TV with 150 Russian channels as well as Russian radio and Russian newspapers. The skilled nursing facility also has a guest services hotline for Russian-speaking residents.
“Roosevelt’s Russian program is addressing a true need for the many Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking families in the area,” Mepari said. “I am pleased to join the talented team here in providing progressive skilled nursing care and the comforts of a cultural experience to our Russian residents.” ••
Senior care hiring event
Abramson Senior Care’s adult day center, 12003 Bustleton Ave., will host a hiring event on Thursday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Abrahamson is hiring for RNs, CNAs and Certified Home Health Aides. There will be a raffle for an Apple Watch for those who attend and are interviewed. The starting rate is $14 an hour. Anyone unable to attend on Thursday can call 215-371-3477 or visit abramsonseniorcare.org to learn about available opportunities. ••
Program on spiritual direction
On Saturday, Feb. 26, the Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave., just east of Father Judge High School) will offer a program on how the practice of spiritual direction helps people notice and be attentive to God’s presence in prayer and daily life. The main presenter is Sister Barbara Springer, SSJ. The program runs from 9:30 a.m. till 3 p.m. A $35 fee covers continental breakfast and lunch as well as the program. For more information and to register, call 267-350-1830 or visit www.msbt.org/mbsc. ••
Promoting disability curriculum
State Reps. Joe Hohenstein and Jason Ortitay heard testimony on a bill that would encourage disability-inclusive curriculum in Pennsylvania schools.
“When I was young, I wore a hearing aid that embarrassed me because of the way people treated me. Many people can relate to a feeling like this,” Hohenstein said. “Now, when I look at kids who have colorful wheelchairs, and even hearing aids, my heart swells with pride for how far we’ve come. This legislation could take us even further, so that students better see the ‘diversability’ in themselves and others.”
The bill number, 726, refers to July 26, 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law.
Many people consider Justin Dart Jr. the author of the ADA. His wheelchair is on display in the Constitution Center.
“I like to share one of Justin Dart’s favorite quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King, who said, ‘An injustice anywhere affects justice everywhere;’ therefore, I feel it would be a true injustice if our children never had the chance to learn about him and the contributions of his peers, people like Ed Roberts, Wade Blank and Judy Heumann, and so many others involved in the rich history of the disability-rights movement,” said Lisa Aquila, a home care worker and disability advocate from Bridesburg.
House Bill 726, which encourages funding and partnerships to shape curriculum, awaits a vote in the Education Committee. ••
Art program at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., is accepting applications for its 2022-2023 Artists in Residence program. The categories are visual artist, performing artist and teaching artist. Artists should be residing in the greater Philadelphia area at the time of their application. Deadline for submissions is March 15 at 11 p.m. The application fee is $10 and is non-refundable. Artists in Residence will have from June 1, 2022 until May 31, 2023, to complete their residencies. Selected artists will create works that engage Glen Foerd’s audience and collections, which includes architecture, material culture, art and natural landscapes. This opportunity offers area artists access to Glen Foerd’s historic collections, grounds and the Delaware River. Artistic projects that challenge dominant historical narratives by focusing on social issues such as environmental conservation, wealth inequality, race and industrialization are encouraged. Each selected artist (or group, if applying jointly) will receive a $3,000 stipend.
For application information, visit www.glenfoerd.org/artists-in-residence, or email Kristina Murray, arts and culture program manager, at kristinaamurray@glenfoerd.org. ••
Apply for community council
The Office of the City Controller is seeking community leaders, religious leaders, business owners and residents to join the Community Advisory and Accountability Council that will support its review of the Philadelphia Police Department. The review will focus on the Police Department’s operational and resource deployment as well as how Philadelphia compares to other police departments across the country and best practices in policing.
The Community Council’s members will be determined through an application/nomination process. The application and nomination form is at https://controller.phila.gov/about/opportunity-join-our-community-council/.
Applications will be accepted through Feb. 16.
The review will be performed by Stout, an advisory firm. The review will be supported by the Center for Policing Equity. Horsey, Buckner & Heffler, a minority-controlled financial firm, will also provide assistance with interviews and budget and spending data analysis.
The final report is expected to be released publicly by summer 2022. ••
Bingo fundraiser
Simeti’s Gymnastics Academy, 6649 Keystone St., will be holding a Mystery Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 19. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the first game starts at 6:30. Prizes will go to winners. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Admission includes two bingo cards per round. There will be 10 rounds. Participants are asked to bring their own daubers. Extra bingo cards, daubers, 50/50 tickets, blind auction tickets, hot food, snacks, desserts and drinks will be available for sale. It’s a cash-only event. Proceeds will fund new gymnastics equipment.
To order tickets or schedule a free trial class, call 267-333-9930. ••
Drawing class at KleinLife
Elements of Drawing, a four-part art series for active maturing adults, will be offered at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., beginning on Thursday, March 3. The public is invited to join with members. In addition to March 3, the programs will run on March 10, 17 and 24. All will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Cost will be $50 per person, including some art supplies. The fee must be paid at the KleinLife front desk prior to beginning the sessions. Call Shelley Geltzer at 215-698-7300, Ext. 129. ••
Train show on March 6
The Train Collectors Association Atlantic Division will hold its Spring Fever Train Show and Sale on Sunday, March 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Penns Landing Caterers (Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall), 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. There will be 140 tables with a variety of vintage toy trains and repair parts for sale, test track, operating toy train layouts, kids activities and door prizes for adults and children. Admission is $5 per attendee or per family of two adults and all children 12 and under. Food is available on premises, and there is plenty of free parking. For more information, visit www.ADTCA.com or call Bob at 610-872-3309. ••
Apply for high school art program
Glen Foerd’s Teen Arts Program is accepting applications for the spring semester. The program is open to eight high school students and will take place after school each Monday at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., from March 28 through May 16, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Deadline for applications is March 13, 2022. All participants will have the opportunity to create original projects and will receive a $250 stipend for their involvement in the program. For application information, visit www.glenfoerd.org/teen-arts or email Kristina Murray at kristinamurray@glenfoerd.org. For more information, call 215-632-5330. ••
Indoor flea market open
A new indoor flea market will be open weekends through March at the Roosevelt Mall, 2329 Cottman Ave., next to Rainbow. Indoor spaces are $50. For more information, visit PhilaFleaMarkets.org. ••
Tarken hosting adult art club
Tarken Recreation Center, 6250 Frontenac St., hosts an adult art club, which meets on Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., through April 5. Practice and discuss painting and drawing: still life, portraits, figure drawing, abstract art and illustrations. The program will conclude with a spring art show on April 14 for members to show off their work. No experience necessary. Basic art supplies will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies if they have them. The program will be held in person or virtually, through Zoom, upon request.
To register, call 215-685-1226 or find the @Tarkenplayground page on Facebook. ••
Register for Red Tiger Cup
The Red Tiger TKD Cup will take place on Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bryn Athyn College’s Asplundh Fieldhouse, 2775 Buck Road, in Bryn Athyn. There will be competitions in sparring, patterns and special technique. Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top three competitors in each division. Call 215-969-9962 or email redtigertkd@gmail.com. ••
Civic meeting on March 3
The West Torresdale/Morrell Park Civic Association is having a special meeting on Thursday, March 3, at 6:30 p.m. in the basement of Christ the King parish hall, 3252 Chesterfield Road.
Members will discuss a proposed sandwich shop in Academy Plaza in a space previously occupied by Lily’s Nails. They will also talk about the proposed removal of heritage trees and the building of a golf school building at the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale
All are welcome to attend the meeting, but only those who live within the civic’s boundaries will be able to vote on these issues. Masks are required.
Email wtca19114@gmail.com. ••
Kimmel schedule
The Kimmel Cultural Campus has returned to live Broadway programming.
Here is the schedule through next summer: Hadestown (through Feb. 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. ••
Learn about Frankford Underground Railroad
Riverfront North Partnership will present Up The Creek: The Frankford Underground Railroad Light Parade on Friday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m. at the Garsed Center, 4704 Leiper St. Walking artist Ken Johnston leads a free lantern-making workshop and community light parade in honor of Black History Month. Adults and children are invited to decorate a lantern and join a 1-mile walk retracing Frankford’s Underground Railroad history. All materials and hot beverages will be provided. Register at frankfordlanternparade.eventbrite.com. ••
A look at river samples
Riverfront North Partnership will present Seeing is Believing: Viewing River Microbes on Saturday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lardner’s Point Park, 5202 Levick St. Participants will view and identify real-time freshwater samples from the Delaware River. Tacony LAB is the co-sponsor.
Register at riverfrontnorth.org/events.
Upcoming bus trip
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, May 14, 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. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care. ••
Upcoming cruises
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a cruise to Charleston and Bermuda, June 2-12, on the Celebrity Summit, sailing from Cape Liberty, in North Jersey. Rates range from $1,577 to $2,387 per person, double occupancy.
Meanwhile, a fully escorted Holy Lands & Aegean Majesty cruise will sail Oct. 6-17, 2023, featuring 10 ports-of-call. Rates, including airfare, range from $4,198 to $7,998 per person, double occupancy.
Call 215-788-9408 for information and reservations. ••
Sign up for senior softball
Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for their 58 and over league. The season starts mid-April and runs through September. There are about 30 games along with playoffs. No games are played in July. Games are played Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. at Crispin Field, Holme and Convent avenues.
For more information, call Jim Wilson at 609-636-1702 or Marty King at 215-698-0009. ••
Bus trip to Atlantic City
Holy Innocents is running a casino trip to Resorts on Thursday, Feb. 24. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9 a.m., and leave Resorts at 3:30 p.m. The cost is $35. Riders will receive $20 in slot cash.
To reserve your seat or for more information, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Synagogue gala in May
Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, 4301 Tyson Ave., the oldest synagogue in the Northeast, will be celebrating its 97th anniversary with a gala on Sunday, May 22, at the Bensalem Country Club. All present and past members and friends are invited. Call 215-969-5346. ••
Thrift shop restocking
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Kenesety Chai, will be closed through Feb. 26. It will reopen Feb. 27, fully stocked with winter and spring merchandise. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Oldies but goodies
The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, the Sisterhood, the Men’s Club and the Chaverim announce a joint Zoom program scheduled for Thursday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. The program is Top Songs of the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s and Beyond. Charlie D will emcee the evening. The cost is $25 and open to all. There will also be a 50/50 – $5 for one chance or $10 for 3 chances. Send payment and email address to the synagogue office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. The link for the program will be sent out a few days prior to the event. For details, call 215-677-1600. ••
Programs in Rhawnhurst
Tabas KleinLife Rhawnhurst, 2101 Strahle St., offers the following programs:
• Tuesday: Yoga Dance, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.; Scrabble and Chess, 12:45 to 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: Exercise, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.; Periodic games, scrabble, chess, karaoke.
• Thursday: Exercise, 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.; Women in the Bible, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; Erve Shabbot service, 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Parking is free. Pickup is available. Call 215-745-3127. ••
Father Judge reunions
Three Father Judge graduating classes will be holding reunions this year.
The Class of 1987 will hold its 35-year reunion at FOP Lodge 5 on Saturday, April 2.
The Class of 1972 will hold its 50-year reunion at Father Judge on Saturday, April 30.
The Class of 1962 will hold its 60-year reunion at the Ashburner Inn on Sunday, Sept. 11.
For more information, email Kevin Huckel at khuckel@fatherjudge.com. ••
Top award for Compassus hospice
The Compassus hospice program serving the five counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding communities has been awarded Community Health Accreditation Partner accreditation under the Hospice Standards of Excellence. CHAP is a nationally approved accrediting organization that assesses the quality of health care providers.
In achieving CHAP accreditation, Compassus has demonstrated it meets the industry’s highest nationally recognized standards for both quality and compliance. CHAP-accredited home health and hospice providers demonstrate compliance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Conditions of Participation for Medicare Certification and CMS Quality Standards. The rigorous evaluation required focuses on program structure and function, quality of services and products, human and financial resources and long-term viability.
Adherence to CHAP standards leads to better quality hospice care and better business performance. Compassus is committed to achieving CHAP accreditation across the country as a testament to each community-based program’s commitment to quality as a cornerstone of operational excellence. For more information, visit compassus.com or call 215-557-7300. ••
Free lifestyle workshop
Real-life family stories filled with true-life experiences will be the focus of a workshop for maturing active adults at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on Monday, Feb. 21, at 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to join with members for this complimentary program.
Led by storyteller and commercial editor Todd Factor, this adult education introductory program is part of his “My Experience Program.” In this workshop, participants will join Factor on a journey through life exploring true-to-life stories that help shape the mental health and well-being of families and their lifestyles for now and generations to come.
“Join with us and learn how easy it is to create a lasting legacy,” Factor said. “Your life is a vital treasure and a gift that only you have to offer.”
For additional information and a reservation, call KleinLife at 215-698-7300 or visit www.kleinlife.org. ••
