Breakfast with Santa
St. Hubert, 7320 Torresdale Ave., will host Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $35, or $25 for kids 12 and under. Admission is free for kids 2 and under. The event will feature an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, an indoor snowball fight, coloring station, craft corner, letters to Santa, selfie station, make-your-own reindeer food, Christmas bean bag toss, dancing and face painting. A picture with Santa is $5. Proceeds benefit the Faculty Scholarship Fund. Email [email protected]. ••
Take part in Thanksgiving parade
The 45th annual Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Sunday, Nov. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. The community is invited to enter homemade floats, banners or vehicles, and organizations are encouraged to march. Volunteer banner carriers will receive six hours of community service. Apply at thanksgivingparade.org. Donations can be made on PayPal via thanksgivingparade or on Venmo at Mhthanksgivingparade. For more information, email [email protected]. ••
A performance of Messiah
The St. William Sunday Concert Series, now in its 6th season, will host a complete performance of George Fredrich Handel’s oratorio Messiah on Sunday, Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent, at 2 p.m. The Northeast Oratorio Society and the Orchestra Society of Philadelphia will perform, while Martin Knoblauch will conduct. In all, 20 singers and an orchestra of 17 will present the two-hour work. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Admission is by free-will offering. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be available. Free parking will be available on the street and in the MaST II Charter School lot, across from the church, 6200 Rising Sun Ave. Follow the Facebook page @stwillsconcertseries. ••
New president at DVIRC
The Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center, 2905 Southampton Road, has promoted chief operating officer Chris Scafario to the position of president. Former President and CEO Barry Miller will retain his role as company CEO.
“Stepping into this role I am committed to creating a vibrant regional economy and setting the benchmark for an American manufacturing renaissance here in Southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Scafario. “I look forward to working with all our small and mid-sized manufacturers and state and federal stakeholders to make Philadelphia and its surrounding communities the region of choice for the design, construction and commercialization of next-generation life-sustaining, enriching and protecting goods, services and technologies.”
Visit www.dvirc.org. ••
ETCA to meet
East Torresdale Civic Association will meet on Monday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 9601 Frankford Ave. ••
Boxing gym to open
Costello’s Boxing Gym will have a grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 12, from noon until 4 p.m., in its new home at 6846 Torresdale Ave. (at Longshore Avenue). There will be food, outdoor games and tours of the gym. The Block Gives Back will grill hot dogs and hamburgers. Art History 101 will be on hand. Heavyweight boxer Joey Dawejko will be head trainer, and there will be fitness classes, morning yoga and girls-only sessions for defense and boxing. The youth program fee will remain $10 per month. Costello Gym is taking over space previously occupied by Santander Bank. For more information about the gym, check out https://jackcostelloboxing.com/who-is-jack-costello. ••
2 White bills become law
State Rep. Martina White had two bills signed into law. Act 133 creates a task force to study making the Port of Philadelphia an export terminal for liquefied natural gas. Act 103 extends the ability of businesses operating in Philadelphia to carry forward net operating losses from three to 20 years, as it is in the rest of the state.
“Both of these new laws set Philadelphia up for future success and needed economic gains,” White said. “I appreciate my colleagues in the General Assembly and the governor for realizing the importance of these bills and the positive impacts they will have on the city.” ••
State money for FCCC, Judge
Sens. Tina Tartaglione and Jimmy Dillon announced $2.5 million for two projects awarded from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The two projects receiving fundings are $1.5 million for research facility modernization at Fox Chase Cancer Center and $1 million to the Friends of Father Judge High School for construction of the Career Pathways Academy Building.
“Philadelphia has long been known as a premier education and medical city,” Tartaglione said. “The funding of this grant will help support two great Philadelphia institutions and will enable both to continue to be leaders in their fields.”
“I’m always glad to team up with my friend and colleague, Sen. Tartaglione,” Dillon said. “I’m proud we’re investing in cutting-edge cancer research at Fox Chase and innovative vocational training at Father Judge. Working together, I know this is only the beginning of what we can accomplish for Northeast Philly.” ••
Vendor/craft fair at St. Hubert
The St. Hubert Parent Association will hold a vendor/craft fair on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria. Use the Ditman Street entrance. There will be raffles, a tombola table, desserts and more. ••
Reunion on Dec. 3
A Boulevard/Concord reunion will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 7-11 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Marian Hall, 8532 Frankford Ave. The cost is $40 and includes food, beer, wine and soda. A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Hubert and Father Judge alumni. Call Miss Susan at 215-280-9765. ••
Open house at BVM
Maternity BVM School, 9322 Old Bustleton Ave., will host an open house on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 5-7 p.m. BVM invites families who are interested in having their children attend the school for the 2023-24 academic year. There will be tours, a chance to meet the teachers and registration and financial aid information. Go to www.maternitybvm.net or call 215-908-3329. ••
Weekly art group
Fox Chase Library, 501 Rhawn St., hosts a free art group every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bring your supplies. Call 215-685-0547. ••
Funds for Frankford
State Rep. Jason Dawkins announced $1.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant funds will be going to Frankford Community Development Corporation for Frankford Transportation Center – Transit Oriented Development. The project will be a mixed-use development located at 5129-35 Frankford Ave., 5119 Frankford Ave. and 5113-17 Frankford Ave., and will consist of a supermarket, a municipal health center and mixed-income housing.
“I am pleased to see the state continue to invest money into our community and to assist the amazing people at the Frankford CDC with their ongoing work on this project,” Dawkins said. “I believe they have an immense positive impact on the area.” ••
Calling Northeast High alums
Northeast High School alumni are invited to catch up with old friends at a continental breakfast in the gym on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24, at 8:15 a.m. The meet-and-greet will take place prior to the Northeast vs. Central rivalry football game, which starts at 10. Discounted tickets for alumni will be available in the gym. ••
State money for Orleans Tech
Sen. Jimmy Dillon and Rep. Martina White announced $500,000 in new funding for JEVS Human Services to renovate and expand the Orleans Technical College campus. Upgrades include mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements as well as updated security features in the school’s main atrium lobby and a new open-air café for student dining, collaboration and networking.
“This is a significant amount of money that will help JEVS upgrade its facility to enhance the learning environment for those who attend the campus. JEVS does amazing work helping those in the community with physical, developmental and emotional challenges,” White said. “I am very pleased to have funding approved for this worthy project.”
“On a recent visit to Orleans Tech, I saw first-hand how their programs prepare people in my district and all over the Delaware Valley for good, family-sustaining jobs,” Dillon said. “At a time when people are anxious about the economy and student debt, I’m happy we invested in an institution with a 40-year history of graduating students with in-demand skills and industry-recognized credentials.” ••
Tacony Civic to meet
The Tacony Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. at Tacony Library, 6742 Torresdale Ave. There will be a presentation by the Philly Streetlight Improvement Project. ••
State money coming to 5th district
Sen. Jimmy Dillon announced almost $10.1 million for seven projects in the 5th Senatorial District, awarded from Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds.
“Northeast Philly is an amazing place to live, work and raise a family. The projects we’re funding are going to make it even better by supporting jobs, creating new educational opportunities, fighting food insecurity and cultivating green community spaces. In the coming months and years, this funding will jumpstart these great projects, benefit our economy and attract people from all over the Delaware Valley.”
The seven projects receiving fundings are $500,000 for construction at the Tacony Boat Launch; $1 million to rehabilitate two buildings as part of arsenal revitalization; $750,000 to Friends of Archbishop Ryan for a lighted public track and field, ADA-compliant restrooms, concession area, stadium seating and an adjacent dog park; $1.25 million to Caring For Friends; $2 million to Holy Family University for an addition to Holy Family Hall; $2 million for the St. Hubert High School Arts and Design Center; and more than $2.5 million for the Sprinkler Fitters Local 692 Training School. ••
FCCC has new prez
Dr. Robert Uzzo has been named president and CEO of Fox Chase Cancer Center following a period of interim leadership.
“Dr. Uzzo is an internationally recognized urologic cancer surgeon and researcher with a proven track record of leadership success in the complex academic medical center setting, building innovative academic and research programs and strengthening clinical care,” said Michael A. Young, president and CEO of Temple University Health System. ••
St. Jerome seniors to meet
St. Jerome’s Senior Group will meet on Thursdays, Nov. 10 and Nov. 17, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
Flea market at St. Dom’s
St Dominic’s Catholic Daughters will hold their flea market on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marian Hall, 8532 Frankford Ave. There will be vendors, a homemade cake sale and raffles. ••
Info on bagged leaves
Councilman Brian O’Neill announced the city Department of Streets’ leaf collection and recycling program will run through Dec. 17. Bagged leaf drop-off will be offered citywide on the following Saturdays only at 13 locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Bagged leaves to be recycled at the specified drop-off locations will only be accepted in biodegradable paper bags. Otherwise, bagged leaves set out at the curb will be collected as trash. To find the bagged leaf drop-off location closest to you or to find out if mechanical leaf collection will be offered on your street, call O’Neill’s office at 215-686-3422. ••
Casino trip, Christmas show
Holy Innocents Parish is organizing a trip to Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City on Thursday, Dec. 1. A bus will leave L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $85, non-refundable. The trip includes a ticket to The Modern Gentlemen, a Christmas show, at 3 p.m.; bus transportation; $25 in slot play; and a $15 food voucher. The bus will leave the casino at 5 p.m. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
CD ‘82 reunion
The Cardinal Dougherty High School class of 1982 will be holding its 40-year reunion on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 6-11 p.m. at the Maltese Room, 2049 Bristol Pike, Bensalem. The cost is $60 per person. Checks can be sent to Bernadette Thomas-Lunsford, c/o CDHS Class of ‘82, 40th Class Reunion, 722 S. 6th St., Floor 1, Vineland, NJ 08360. Payment can also be made on Zelle (856-213-7412), Cash App ($BLATL, Water Fountain) and Venmo (@Bernadette-Thomas-Lunsford). ••
PATH is hiring
People Acting To Help Inc. will be holding a job fair with walk-in interviews at its headquarters at 1919 Cottman Ave. (at Castor Avenue) on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 3-7 p.m. PATH is hiring for positions in both its behavioral health and intellectual disability programs, from entry-level to credentialed clinical and program staff as well as administrative positions. Bring your resumes. Free parking is available in the PATH lot on Elgin Avenue. To learn more about PATH and available positions, visit www.pathcenter.org. ••
Walk to end Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Philadelphia is taking place on Nov. 12 at Citizens Bank Park. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In the tri-state area alone, there are more than 489,000 people living with the disease and 809,000 caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s walk, visit act.alz.org/philadelphia. ••
Brunch and music
The Chaverim of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a brunch and musical program featuring keyboard soloist Jeff Dershin on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m. The cost is $20. RSVP must be received by Nov. 10. Make your checks payable to CSS and send to the above address. Call the synagogue office at 215-677-1600 for more details and to make a reservation. ••
Support Holocaust museum
The Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center will hold its 61st annual anniversary gala dinner and silent auction on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 6-10 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 2400 Old Lincoln Highway, Trevose. The honorees will be Jacqueline Cherepinsky and Dr. Adam G. Denish. For reservations, email [email protected] or call 215-464-4701. To support the museum or participate in the online auction, visit hamec.org. ••
Shabbat dinner for veterans
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a Shabbat dinner honoring veterans on Friday, Nov. 11. Dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m. Shabbat services will start at 7:45 p.m., followed by a festive Oneg. The cost is $25 per person. All veterans are encouraged to wear their military caps. To make a reservation, call 215-677-1600. ••
Bingo on Saturday
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will be having bingo on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 1-4 p.m. Doors will open at noon. Packages are $20 and include lunch. Call 215-423-0792. ••
Christmas Bazaar
St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 7965 Fillmore St., will host a Christmas bazaar on Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be flea market tables, crafts, a bake sale and homemade vegetable soup and sandwiches for sale. No vendors. ••
AHCU Grand Illumination
American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road, invites the community to attend its Grand Illumination, fireworks symphony and concert on Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring a canned good for the needy. There will be more than 400,000 lights, two 40-foot illuminated trees and hundreds of illuminated wreaths and decorations, all of which will stay up until Jan. 1. Visit AmericanHeritageCU.org/Lights. ••
Support Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is organizing an event at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 4268 Richmond St., on Saturday, Dec. 17, at noon.
The group will place fresh, decorated balsam wreaths on every grave and memorial.
Wreaths may be sponsored for $15 apiece at WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/pages/164416. The location ID is PAMHRC. The group ID is PA0529P. The deadline is Nov. 21. Checks can be mailed to Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623.
For more information, call Gary Roman at 215-749-0756. ••
Gift wrapping for charity
Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates of Fox Chase Cancer Center, is running its holiday gift wrapping at Willow Grove Park, 2500 W. Moreland Road, Willow Grove, from Friday, Nov. 25, through Saturday, Dec. 24. Profits support patient care and medical research at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Auction on Nov. 26
Emanuel United Church of Christ, 2628 Fillmore St., will host its annual fall auction on Saturday, Nov. 26. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the drawing begins promptly at noon. Admission is $5 and includes a hot dog. The cost of raffle tickets is $5 a sheet or three sheets for $10. ••
Donate to food drive
American Heritage Credit Union invites the community to help this year’s Spirit of Giving Food Drive. All nonperishable food donations will be distributed to various food pantries and food banks throughout the community this holiday season. The donations will be collected through Nov. 26 at all American Heritage branch locations. ••
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). ••
Visit model railroad club
Chelten Hills Model Railroad Club, 8010 Old York Road in Elkins Park, will be hosting open houses from noon to 4 p.m. on the following Saturdays and Sundays: Nov. 19-20, Dec. 10-11, Jan. 7-8 and Feb. 4-5. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.cheltenhillsmrr.org or Facebook. ••
Cruise the Mediterranean
Norwegian Cruise Line will host a Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Venice on Oct. 10-19, 2023. The trip is all inclusive with round-trip airfare, a beverage package, all meals, three specialty dinners, taxes, transfers and all gratuities. The cost for a balcony sea view cabin is $3,511 per person. For more information, contact Fillmore Travel’s Kevin Fries at 215-498-8294 or [email protected]. ••
Upcoming cruise
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a fully escorted Holy Lands & Aegean Majesty cruise from Oct. 6-17, 2023, visiting Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Italy. Rates, including airfare, range from $4,298 to $8,098 per person, double occupancy. Call 215-788-9408 for information and reservations. ••
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]. ••
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. ••
Sisterhood Shabbat
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host its annual Sisterhood Shabbat on Friday, Nov. 18, at 7:45 p.m., assisted by Rabbi Sandy Berliner and cantor Bernard Walters. An Oneg will follow services. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Bingo on Zoom
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is hosting a virtual bingo on Mondays, Dec. 5 and 12, starting at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $36 per person and includes two cards, for eight games of bingo each night. Send your payment to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, attention: Bingo. Payment must be received no later than Nov. 21, and you must include your email address. The link will be emailed to you before the first bingo night. Call 215-677-1600 and ask for Gerry or Nancy. ••
Sisterhood meeting
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Members are asked to bring a menorah that has meaning to their family. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Jeanes receives surgical award
The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program has recognized Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus as one of 78 ACS NSQIP participating hospitals that have achieved meritorious outcomes for surgical patient care in 2021.
As a participant in ACS NSQIP, TUH-Jeanes Campus is required to track the outcomes of inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures and collect data that assesses patient safety and can be used to direct improvement in the quality of surgical care.
“We are pleased that Temple University Hospital-Jeanes Campus has been recognized by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for its outstanding surgical patient care outcomes,” said Michael A. Young, president and CEO of Temple Health. “We are committed to providing outstanding care and regularly monitor multiple measures of quality and safety to ensure our patients have access to the highest level of care possible. This recognition is proof positive of the success of those efforts and provides public recognition of the high level of surgical care provided by our entire medical team.”
TUH-Jeanes was recognized on the “All Cases” Meritorious list. ••
Fox Chase CC earns honor
Fox Chase Cancer Center has been named a Meritorious Performing Hospital by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, a collaborative effort aimed at improving the quality of surgical programs.
The honor means that the surgical quality at Fox Chase ranks it among the top 100 participating ACS-NSQIP hospitals in the nation.
“We are thrilled that this year we’ve been recognized as being in the top 10% of hospitals for two categories, including all cases and high-risk cases,” said Dr. Stephanie H. Greco, an assistant professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology and director of Surgical Quality at Fox Chase. “We want to maintain this high level of quality, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve patient outcomes.” ••
