Help Karen and the Brain Aneurysm Foundation
Karen’s Bowling Alley Rally will take place on Saturday, May 28, from 6-9 p.m. at Thunderbird Lanes, 3075 Holme Ave. The evening will celebrate how far Karen Murphy has come in five years since being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. Tickets per bowler cost $30 for a 21-and-older drink wristband or $20 for non-drinkers. The price includes three hours of bowling, shoe rental, pizza, soda and open bar for people with wristbands. There will be gift basket raffles and a 50/50. Sixty percent of proceeds will go to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation in Karen’s name. Forty percent of proceeds will go to Karen’s recovery, medical bills, rehabilitation and effort to return home. For more information, go to https://karensbowlingalleyrally.ticketleap.com/register-or-donate/. ••
AARP ending tutoring program
The AARP Foundation will be closing four Experience Corps branches, including the one in Philadelphia.
The volunteer program trains people 50 and older to help students become better readers by the end of third grade by building their fluency, accuracy and comprehension skills.
The tutoring is done one on one or in small groups, twice a week for 30 minutes each session.
Emily Allen, Senior Vice President of Programs at AARP Foundation, said, “To reach more schools and students, we are evolving AARP Foundation Experience Corps to implement our work through community-based organizations, building on an existing model we’ve accomplished with 19 Program Partners in 11 states. After careful evaluation, we’ve determined this is the most effective way to increase our impact for both students and volunteers. In this move, AARP Foundation will close four Experience Corps Branches currently staffed by AARP Foundation employees, including Philadelphia, at the end of this program year. We are working to identify Program Partners in Philadelphia to implement our new business model as soon as possible so we can continue serving students in the city.”
St. Jerome seniors are back
The St. Jerome Senior Group will be meeting in person on the following upcoming Thursdays: May 26 and June 9. Members should arrive at the school hall by 10 a.m. Meetings begin at 11. ••
Food trucks, artisans, entertainers
Federation Early Learning Services, an early care and education nonprofit organization, will be hosting its inaugural FELStival on June 12 from noon to 6 p.m. at Paley Early Learning Center, 2199 Strahle St. The public is invited. There will be more than 50 food trucks, artisans and entertainers. For more information, visit www.felskids.org/FELStival-2022/. ••
History meeting June 1 at Ryerss
The Northeast Philadelphia History Network will hold a meeting on Wednesday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. at Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave. There will be a brief description of the mansion and grounds, and smaller groups will form for tours of the interior museum parlor and galleries. The public is invited. ••
Affordable internet for seniors
The Philadelphia Senate on Aging wants low-income elderly people to know that they can receive internet access for $9.95 a month, or free, through Comcast’s Internet Essentials. Call Comcast at 855-846-8376, and say you were referred by Mary Daniels, director of the Philadelphia Senate on Aging. For more information on the Philadelphia Senate on Aging, call Mary Daniels at 267-457-4940. ••
O’Neill wants increase in Homestead Exemption
Councilman Brian O’Neill introduced legislation to increase the amount of the city’s Homestead Exemption from $45,000 to $90,000, the maximum allowed by state law. The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable portion of a property’s assessed value, providing it is the owner’s primary residence. Earlier this month, the city’s Office of Property Assessments posted preliminary data showing 2023 residential property valuations with an average increase of 31% over 2019, the last year OPA released citywide data.
“Drastically increasing the homestead exemption is the most effective way to provide immediate relief to taxpayers” O’Neill said.
O’Neill has also proposed legislation to extend the 2022 Senior Citizen Tax Freeze application deadline through Sept. 30, so that eligible senior citizens are able to enroll in the program before the 2023 assessments take effect. ••
Help for Parkinson’s
Jeanes Hospital will host Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremor on Wednesday, June 1, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Dr. Willard S. Kaso will discuss solutions for movement disorders, providing patients with options that can help them get their freedom back. For more information, call 215-728-4861 or email [email protected]. ••
Senior center reopens
The Peter Bressi Northeast Senior Center, 4744 Frankford Ave., has returned to full-time hours. The center is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Daily hot meal service is also back. Continued adherence to masking and other applicable COVID guidelines is being maintained. The center is open to people 60 and older. Yearly membership dues are $10. Call 215-831-2926. ••
Job and career fair May 25
A Job and Career Fair at the Toben Center, 7222 Castor Ave., will take place on Wednesday, May 25, from 1 to 5 p.m. Employers will be recruiting for jobs in the fields of manufacturing, health care, transportation, law enforcement, administrative and more. Interviews will be scheduled on the spot by employers. Interested applicants should bring their resumes for review. Job seekers should come dressed appropriately. Several career/trade schools will also attend the event for people who are looking to learn a career or to change their current one. The event is hosted by the Northeast Learning Center and supported by Philadelphia Works. Call 215-745-0141. ••
6 Nazareth doctors honored
Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic announced that 71 THMA physicians have been named Top Doctors by Philadelphia magazine. The honored physicians were recognized in the magazine’s May issue. The list is based on results from an annual survey conducted by Castle Connolly, an independent medical research company that helps patients and consumers connect with providers. Nazareth Hospital doctors on the list are David Addley and Federico Viganego, cardiovascular disease; Moshe Chasky, Frederick Dold and Allen Terzian, medical oncology; and Layla Kamoun, ophthalmology. ••
Making Philly a natural gas exporter
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Martina White to create a task force to study how to make Philadelphia a leader in exporting Liquid Natural Gas to the international markets passed the House.
“Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine makes it clear that the world has become too reliant on Russia for its energy needs,” White said. “Europe, in particular, is heavily dependent upon Russia for its oil and gas. In 2021, two-fifths of the gas Europeans used came from Russia, which makes it more difficult for those countries to impose sanctions on Russia as punishment for President Vladimir Putin’s murderous behavior and to dissuade him from further hostility.”
House Bill 2458 would create a task force made up of members of the General Assembly, the natural gas industry, Philadelphia building trades and PhilaPort that would study the economic feasibility, financial impact and the security necessities involved in making the Port of Philly an LNG export terminal. It would also study the best way to create a port in Philadelphia and how to overcome the obstacles currently preventing Philadelphia from becoming a leader in exporting liquefied natural gas and report its recommendations to the General Assembly and the administration.
The bill passed 124-74, with all no votes coming from Democrats, including Reps. Nancy Guenst, Joe Hohenstein, Jason Dawkins, Jared Solomon and Isabella Fitzgerald. Voting for the bill were Reps. Kevin Boyle, Mike Driscoll and Ed Neilson. ••
Star Players to present show
The Star Players of the city Department of Parks and Recreation will present Songs of Stage & Screen on June 3-5 at 7 p.m. at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. They are available at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St., or on Venmo at [email protected]. For more information, call Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or like the Star Players of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation page on Facebook. ••
Penny Party on June 4
St. Stephen Orthodox Cathedral, 8598 Verree Road, invites the community to an all-ages Penny Party on Saturday, June 4. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Calling starts about 7 p.m. Admission is $5, which includes homemade desserts, coffee and tea. Hot dogs and snacks will be available for sale, and there will be prizes and raffle baskets. ••
PizzaPalooza is back
The Northeast Times and Lower Bucks Times will host their fourth PizzaPalooza on Thursday, June 23, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road, in the Far Northeast.
Tickets cost $15, or $7.50 for ages 2-12. Children under 2 are admitted free.
To ask about sponsorship opportunities, email Michelle at [email protected].
To buy tickets or for more information, visit nmg.ticketleap.com/pizza2022/. ••
Movies and a 5K in Lawncrest
The Lawncrest Recreation Center Advisory Council will offer free movie nights on the second Thursday of the month at dusk at the Lawncrest Recreation Center outdoor stage, 6000 Rising Sun Ave. The dates are June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8 and Oct. 13. Bring a blanket or chair.
Meanwhile, the advisory council will hold a 5K race on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $30, which includes a T-shirt and medals for winners. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Philadelphia/Lawncrest5K. ••
Senior Day in Holmesburg
Christian Older People Enjoying Life will be hosting a Senior Day on Saturday, June 4, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church parking lot at 8101 Erdrick St. (at Welsh Road). On hand will be state Sen. Tina Tartaglione, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, healthcare centers, authors and a drill team. There will be giveaways, snacks and information. All are welcome. ••
Music fest lineup set
The Pennypack Music Festival will take place this year at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Admission is free. There are picnic tables, but you can bring your own chairs. No pets or outside food, drink or coolers. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Shows are Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Gate opens at 5 p.m.
June 1: Romeo Delight [tribute to Van Halen]; June 8: Lecompt; June 15: HotLanta [tribute to the Allman Brothers]; June 22: Black Dog [tribute to Led Zeppelin]; June 29: The Launch [tribute to Queen]; July 6: Steal Your Face [tribute to Grateful Dead]; July 13: Jamison, Bogside Rogues [Irish Night, Ed Kelly’s birthday celebration]; July 20: Idol Kings [tribute to Journey]; July 27: Definitely Leppard [tribute to Def Leppard]; Aug. 3: Let’s Ride [country rock]; Aug. 10: Kick it Out [tribute to Heart]; Aug. 17: Philadelphia Freedom [tribute to Elton John]; Aug. 24: Starman [tribute to David Bowie]. ••
St. Hubert day trip
St. Hubert will hold its seventh annual summer fun day trip on Tuesday, June 21. There will be a one-hour ride on a cruise ship, followed by a four-hour stay at Resorts casino, with $10 back in slot cash. The day will end at the Tomasello winery for a sitdown dinner and complimentary wine tasting. A bus will depart St. Hubert at 8:45 a.m. and arrive back at about 9 p.m. The cost is $90. Contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or [email protected]. ••
Outdoor concert schedule
All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Torresdale, 9601 Frankford Ave., will host three outdoor “grill-n-groove” concerts. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the concerts at 7. The schedule is June 17 (Barry’s Basement Band), July 20 (Philly Cuzz Band) and Aug. 17 (Paula Johns Jazz). ••
Stroll through Hulmeville
Hulmeville Borough 150th Committee and Hulmeville Garden Club are hosting the Hulmeville Garden Stroll on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $10. Kids 5 and under are free. The starting point is William Penn Fire Department Station 7, 123 Main St., Hulmeville. There will be garden tours, live music, artists and vendors. For tickets or more information, visit http://www.hulmeville150.org/# or https://hulmeville-150th.ticketleap.com/gardens-of-hulmeville-walk/. ••
Farm stand at Jeanes
The Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus Auxiliary will hold a farm stand on Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., through October, next to parking lot C of the Jeanes and Fox Chase Cancer Center campuses. Call 215-728-2131 or email [email protected]. ••
Flea market at Roosevelt Mall
The Roosevelt Mall Flea Market will run outdoors in the parking lot at 2445 Cottman Ave., every Sunday through November. The market runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 150 vendors will be on hand featuring new and used items, household goods, electronics and all types of general merchandise. One parking space is $30. Bring your own tables. There is plenty of free parking. For reservations, call 215-625-FLEA (3532). ••
Cornhole tournament for charity
American Heritage Credit Union and Kids-N-Hope Foundation will host a cornhole tournament, presented by Intech Construction, on Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AHCU’s campus at 2060 Red Lion Road. All proceeds benefit the Kids-N-Hope Foundation, which aims to enhance children’s health and life services through pediatric music therapy at local hospitals and nonprofit organizations. Teams of two will play four games. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, with first place receiving $1,200, second place receiving $500 and third place receiving $300. Registration for the event is $50 per team. Players must be 15 and older to register. There will be food trucks and beverages from a brewery. Sign up at ahcu.co/Cornhole. ••
Ukrainian festival in the summer
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will be held on Sunday, Aug. 28, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham. There will be art, crafts, live music, dance, food, drinks, vendors and live reenactments. Admission is $15 ($5 donated to the relief of war victims in Ukraine). Kids under 15 are free. Parking is free. For tickets or more information, call 267-664-3857 or visit tryzub.org. ••
Rhawnhurst Civic to meet
Rhawnhurst Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, June 15, at 7 p.m. at Pelbano Recreation Center, 8101 Bustleton Ave. ••
Sisterhood installation ceremony
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be installing its officers and board members on Tuesday, June 14, at 7:15 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Rabbi Sandra Berliner will greet guests with a D’var Torah, and cantor Don Samuels will conduct the installation. Admission is free. Proof of vaccination and masking required. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Trips scheduled
Three excursions to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York state are on tap for this summer and fall as part of the Starr Tours At KleinLife program.
The travel excursions kick off on July 13 with a trip to Atlantic City to enjoy a matinee performance of the Jersey Boys at the Soundwaves Theatre at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. In addition to a show ticket, the trip includes lunch at the hotel and casino as well as motorcoach travel. Buses leave from KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. Cost is $219 per person. Deadline for reservations is June 14.
An Aug. 10 trip to Columbia, Lancaster County, to visit the National Watch and Clock Museum is scheduled for summer. It also features admission to the Turkey Hill Experience, lunch at Bully’s Restaurant and roundtrip motorcoach accommodations. Cost is $155 per person for adults and $105 per child. Deadline for reservations is July 12.
The Castles of New York multi-day vacation runs from Sept. 11-14 and features an upstate New York experience showcasing the countryside, the St. Lawrence River and three castles. It includes overnight accommodations at the Edgewood Resort, three breakfasts and one dinner. Deadline for reservations is Aug. 13.
For additional information and reservations, call 800-782-7703 or go to starrtours.com/kleinlife. ••
Father Judge reunion
The Father Judge graduating class of 1962 will be holding its 60-year reunion at the Ashburner Inn on Sunday, Sept. 11. For more information, email Kevin Huckel at [email protected]. ••
Support veterans
The American Legion Women’s Auxiliary is recruiting new members to help with supporting and raising funds for the military and veterans. Become a member by filling out an application at a meeting on the following Tuesdays: June 7 and Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 366 Corp. John Loudenslager, 7976 Oxford Ave. ••
Legends on stage
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, invites the public to attend Legends: An Evening With Johnny Cash, Dean Martin and Barbra Streisand on Sunday, June 12, at 2 p.m. Seating prices are: General – $40, Reserved and Aisle – $54 and Patron – $100. Shaare Shamayim policy requires that those who enter the building provide proof of vaccination or medical documentation if vaccination is not medically permitted, and masking, except while eating. Call 215-677-1600. ••
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]. ••
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. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW. Contact Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••
Ryan class of ‘72 reunion
The Archbishop Ryan Class of 1972 will hold its 50-year reunion on Friday, June 10, at the Philadelphia Ballroom, 2014 Hornig Road. For tickets and/or to make a contribution to the Class of 1972 Scholarship Fund, go to arclassof72.com. ••
Comcast offering grants to biz owned by women, ‘people of color’
Comcast announced a new round of cities, including Philadelphia, will receive grants from the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, providing an additional $5 million to hundreds of small businesses owned by “people of color,” including black, indigenous, Hispanic and Asian-American owners, and women.
Beginning on June 1, and through June 14, eligible businesses can apply for a $10,000 grant at www.ComcastRISE.com. A total of 100 grants per city will be announced and awarded in July.
As part of the initial Comcast RISE Investment Fund program, the company previously awarded $1 million in April 2021 to 100 small black-owned businesses in Philadelphia and Chester.
“While we know that no single organization can solve historic and systemic inequities overnight, we are committed to taking tangible actions that can drive long-term impact and change,” said Dennis Mathew, senior vice president, Comcast’s Freedom Region. “Comcast RISE and the Comcast RISE Investment Fund offer the opportunity for small businesses owned by ‘people of color’ and women to help grow their businesses, create jobs and play a vital role in supporting our communities.”
Hair salon owner Chanda Anderson, who received a grant last year, said, “When the pandemic hit and we had to shut down our business, I was distraught. My only means of income was suddenly taken away, but, meanwhile, my bills kept coming in. The $10,000 grant from Comcast RISE not only helped me stay afloat, I used it to purchase hair for my clients and actually generate some income. At a time when I was seeing one client a day in my house versus five to seven clients a day pre-pandemic, it helped more than you can imagine.”
To help drive awareness about the program, Comcast has awarded support to the following local nonprofits: African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Independence Business Alliance, The Enterprise Center and Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations.
In addition, Comcast RISE invests in ongoing mentorship and resources to help businesses succeed over the long term. The program has partnered with Ureeka, an online platform for entrepreneurs, to provide grant recipients with business coaching to help build skills in company foundation, growing customers and financial stability.
“Ureeka is proud to partner with Comcast RISE to grow small businesses nationwide with coaching and digital services,” said co-founder Melissa Bradley. “We know there are stark disparities in access to capital and resources for entrepreneurs of color and women entrepreneurs.”
Comcast RISE is part of Comcast’s ongoing efforts to advance “digital equity” and help provide “underrepresented” small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs and partnerships that will reach tens of millions of people with the skills, opportunities and resources they need to succeed. ••
St. Hubert class of ‘72 reunion
St. Hubert Class of 1972 will be celebrating its 50th high school reunion on June 9 with a Golden Girls’ walk alongside the graduating Class of 2022. The reunion will immediately follow at Knowlton Mansion. For information, email Linda at [email protected] or visit https://www.facebook.com/Saint-Hubert-Class-of-72. ••
