Thanksgiving parade on Sunday
The 45th annual Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Sunday, Nov. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. The route is Frankford Avenue, from Rhawn Street to Knorr Street. The Boy Scouts will be collecting nonperishable food, and Toys for Tots donations will be accepted at Knorr. 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 info@thanksgivingparade.org. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Reunion dance on Dec. 3
A Boulevard/Concord reunion dance 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. ••
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. ••
ETCA to meet
East Torresdale Civic Association will meet on Monday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 9601 Frankford Ave. ••
Resident artist chosen
Artist Lisa Kelley has been jointly chosen as resident artist by Mural Arts Philadelphia Tacony LAB and Riverfront North Partnership. The artist residency, with a starting time for the residency in January 2023, will focus on the Riverfront North Greenway trails along the Delaware River.
“The vision for the artist residency centers on the Leni Lenape origins and use of the Delaware river and surrounding trails as a connector,” said Gina Craigo, community engagement manager of Riverfront North Partnership.
“The residency will engage the Lower Northeast community around Riverfront North’s K&T Trail in the Wissinoming and Tacony sections of the city and at the Tacony LAB Community Art Center,” said Barb Baur, project manager of the Tacony LAB.
Kelley is a trauma-informed artist who is interested in the connection between art and social change. Her background in graphic design has influenced her work through explorations of color, pattern and repetition. Collage, paint, fibers, textiles, metal, found objects and hand-carved stamps make up some of her recent work. ••
Enroll in St. James preschool
St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church preschool, 5185 Castor Ave. in Northwood, is enrolling 3- and 4-year-old children. The school has served generations of families in the Northeast. For more information, visit stjamesphilly.org or call 215-743-1828. ••
Beware Medicare scams
State Rep. Ed Neilson warns his constituents and people across Pennsylvania about targeted Medicare scams, where individuals will try to solicit information to commit insurance fraud.
“If someone calls you and claims to be from Medicare and is promising you goods or services in exchange for your Medicare ID number, hang up the phone because it’s certainly a scam,” Neilson said.
Also, if someone tries to enroll you into Medicare via a phone call, that is also a scam, Neilson warned. Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, known as PA MEDI, offers free Medicare counseling to older Pennsylvanians. Visit http://www.aging.pa.gov to learn more. ••
Learn to make a wreath
The Friends of Holmesburg Library is sponsoring Make Your Own Holiday Wreath on Monday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m. Expert crafter maker Pam Thomas will help you make a great-looking wreath for the holiday season. Supplies provided. Children allowed. To sign up, call Holmesburg Library at 215-685-8756. ••
Cooking program for seniors
Senior citizens are invited to Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., on Friday, Nov. 18, from 2-3 p.m. to learn about cooking veggie Jambalaya from the budget-friendly recipe book, Good and Cheap. Call 215-685-0501. ••
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. ••
Calling Northeast HS 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. ••
St. Jerome seniors to meet
St. Jerome’s Senior Group will meet on Thursday, Nov. 17, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
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 SHSanta@huberts.org. ••
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. ••
Holiday pop-in sale
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, a ministry sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, will hold a holiday pop-in sale on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale will feature new items, “like” new items, Sweet Mercy Honey, gifts and bargains. ••
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. ••
Santa Claus coming to Holmesburg
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., invites families to see Santa Claus on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. There will be cookies, make-and-take holiday crafts and pictures with Santa. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Holmesburg Library. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Free help for the holidays
International School of Coaching’s Master Coach Paula Michele Boyle and her team of trained specialists are reaching out to support the community for those feeling frustrated or unsatisfied with their lives, careers and relationships. The session you will receive with a certified Life Coach is available from Thanksgiving to New Year 2023. To register or learn more, visit lifecoachphilly.com. ••
Apply for LIHEAP
City Councilman Brian O’Neill announced that the 2022-23 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is open to PGW customers. LIHEAP is a federal grant that helps income-eligible senior citizens and families pay their heating bills and restore gas service in the event of a shutoff. These grants range from $300 to $1,000, are available to both renters and homeowners, and do not have to be repaid. The award amount is based on household size and income. If you would like to apply or have any questions about the program, call or visit O’Neill’s offices at Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street, above the 7th Police District (215-685-0432); FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road (215-437-9167); 7522 Castor Ave. (215-685-0438); 432 Rhawn St. (215-685-6431); or City Hall (215-686-3422). ••
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. ••
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). ••
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). ••
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 fkevin910@comcast.net. ••
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. ••
Brunch and music
The Chaverim of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, welcomes the community for brunch and a musical program featuring keyboard soloist Jeff Dershin on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 11 a.m. The cost is $20. RSVP by Nov. 17. Make your checks payable to CSS. 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. ••
Homelessness awareness
Philly House, formerly known as Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, the oldest homeless shelter in Philadelphia, has organized a city-wide observation to increase awareness of homelessness as well as opportunities to reduce it in the city. On Nov. 17, organizations across Philadelphia will participate in the “Purple Out,” purple being the color of homelessness awareness, by turning their exterior lights purple.
Mayor Jim Kenney has proclaimed Nov. 17 as “Philly House Day,” which celebrates the shelter’s work.
To observe the “Purple Out,” Two Liberty Place and the PECO Crown Lights will illuminate purple through Nov. 19 and display a message to increase awareness. Brandywine Realty and the Pennsylvania Convention Center will also illuminate their buildings on Nov. 17, while One Liberty Place will be lit in purple on Nov. 18.
For more information, visit www.phillyhouse.org. ••
Christmas bazaar, live nativity
St. James Lutheran Church, Castor Avenue and Pratt Street, will hold a Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Seasonal gifts and novelties will be available. To reserve a table for $10, call 215-743-1828.
Meanwhile, St. James will host a live nativity on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The scene will be visible on the Pratt Street lawn with children and youth from the parish as the cast of characters. ••
Register for biblical series
Joseph and His Family will be the central theme of a six-part biblical series being offered for active adults at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., beginning on Thursday, Dec. 1. The public is invited to join with members. In addition to Dec. 1, sessions will be conducted on Dec. 8, 15 and 22 and Jan. 5 and 12. All will begin at 10:30 a.m. Cost for all six sessions will be $36 per person. To register and for more information, call Shelley Geltzer at 215-698-7300, Ext. 129. ••
Half-price clothing sale
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will have a half-price clothing sale on Friday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Discussion of El
The Northeast Philadelphia History Network will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. at Pennepack Baptist Meetinghouse, 8732 Krewstown Road. The topic will be The Frankford El and Its Predecessors, with author and railroad historian Harry Garforth. A former SEPTA employee, Garforth will discuss the 100th anniversary of the Frankford Elevated. Copies of his recently published book will be available for purchase. ••
Grants for Fox Chase researchers
Two Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers have received $75,000 grants from the Kidney Cancer Association to pursue studies that could improve kidney cancer treatment and care.
Dr. Pooja Ghatalia, assistant professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology, was awarded one of six KCA Trailblazer Awards, which funds young- to mid-career investigators to foster innovative kidney cancer research. Ghatalia’s project is titled, “Comparison of Immune Microenvironment Between Patients of African and European Ancestry With Renal Cell Carcinoma.”
“Patients of African ancestry with renal cell carcinoma have poor disease outcomes due to several socioeconomic factors. Since standard treatment options for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma includes immune checkpoint inhibitors, it was important to determine if the immune profile of patients of African ancestry is different from that of Caucasians,” Ghatalia said.
“Understanding the differences in the tumor biology between the two groups will help determine appropriate treatments for patients of African ancestry and identify distinct pathways to target in them.”
Erin Tagai, an assistant research professor in the Cancer Prevention and Control research program, was awarded the new KCA Psychosocial Focus Award, which seeks to address acute unmet needs in the kidney cancer community. These can include quality of life, supportive and palliative care, pain management, and mental and emotional health. Her project is titled, “Improving Patient-Reported Outcomes for Renal Cancer Patients on Active Surveillance.”
“Our clinical team has developed a rigorous program of research assuring safety of active surveillance for patients with a small renal mass, particularly for patients at increased risk of surgical complications,” Tagai said.
“However, research has shown approximately half of those who receive delayed treatment do so because of distress. Our overall goal is to develop a patient-centered intervention to help patients manage distress and maintain quality of life to ultimately stay on active surveillance and reduce unnecessary treatment.” ••
Ceramics for seniors
The Claymobile of Philadelphia will bring its special “pop-up” ceramics studio to KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to join with members.
Shelley Geltzer, director of the KleinLife active adult program, said that the event is part of the Clay Studio’s community engagement program.
“Here’s a wonderful opportunity to engage and get creative with guidance from a professional artist teacher while using a tactile medium of clay to nurture your personal imagination and critical thinking,” Geltzer said.
Participants will be able to create their own bowl that they will make and paint during the program. The bowl will be fired and returned to them three to four weeks later. Cost for the event is $8, including supplies.
To register and for further information, contact Geltzer at 215-698-7300, Ext. 129 or sgeltzer@kleinlife.org. ••
FCCC docs will help lead association
Four Fox Chase Cancer Center faculty have been appointed to leadership positions by fellow members of the Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons.
“These appointments are a testament to the dedication of our surgical department to improving quality and being involved regionally and nationally in cancer care,” said Dr. Jeffrey Farma, interim chair of Surgical Oncology and past president of MPACS. “We at Fox Chase are proud to be part of such a prestigious organization that works every day toward improving surgical care for our community. We are particularly proud to have so many serving in leadership positions.”
The following faculty members were elected to positions representing the local chapter:
• Dr. Sanjay Reddy was elected to serve a three-year term as Councilor-at-Large. Reddy also serves as the co-chair of the Mock Oral Boards committee.
• Dr. Andrea Porpiglia was elected to serve a one-year term as a Young Fellows Association Representative.
• Dr. Austin Williams was elected to serve a two-year term as Resident and Associate Fellow Representative.
• Dr. Sameer Patel, previous past president of MPACS, was appointed to a three-year term as ACS Chapter Alternate Governor.
Founded in 1986, the Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter is a part of the American College of Surgeons, a scientific and educational association of surgeons dedicated to ensuring the highest standard of surgical care through education and advocacy. The Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter represents the interests of surgeons and helps promote policies and programs of the American College of Surgeons. ••
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. ••
