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. ••
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. ••
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]. ••
Boxing classes for adults
Joe Hand Boxing Gym, 213 W. Street Road in Feasterville, holds adult classes every Monday and Wednesday at 6 p.m. Call 267-914-8777 or visit JoeHandGym.com. ••
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. 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. ••
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. ••
Auction on Saturday
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. ••
Craft fair in Fox Chase
Villages of Pine Valley will hold a holiday craft fair on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its clubhouse, 900 Pine Valley Blvd. (access off of 8540 Verree Road). There will be homemade candy, jewelry, wreaths, candles, artwork and more. Call Kathy at 215-722-1501. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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). ••
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. ••
Flea market at Roosevelt Mall
The Roosevelt Mall Flea Market will run outdoors in the parking lot at 2445 Cottman Ave., on Sunday, Nov. 27, from 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: Dec. 10-11, Jan. 7-8 and Feb. 4-5. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.cheltenhillsmrr.org or Facebook. ••
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.: 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. ••
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. Make your checks payable to CSS. Call 215-677-1600. ••
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. ••
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. ••
UFCW 1776 backs Brown
Citing his long track record of creating jobs and making investments in “challenged” communities across the city, UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell Young IV announced that the local has endorsed Jeff Brown in his bid to become the next mayor.
“Our local has worked closely with Jeff Brown for more than 30 years to protect union jobs and to provide access to grocery stores in communities across the city when many, many chains refused to open and serve low-income neighborhoods. His commitment to these communities and this city speaks volumes about the type of mayor he will be,” Young said.
“Jeff has stood with workers, with unions and with the residents of this city for decades. He is directly responsible for creating thousands of family-sustaining union jobs that provide strong benefits – including healthcare benefits, childcare benefits, education benefits and a pension. He will be a tremendous voice for all of Philadelphia.”
UFCW 1776 represents nearly 7,000 members in Philadelphia, including retail clerks in grocery stores, pharmacies, cannabis dispensaries and at the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
“We look forward to working with Jeff and his team in the coming months to help him secure the Democratic Party nomination and election as mayor,” Young said. ••
Santamoor announces Council bid
Democrat Eryn Santamoor announced her candidacy for City Council at large.
Santamoor’s campaign will focus on public safety, substance use treatment and quality services for every neighborhood.
“The city is facing simultaneous challenges of safety, substance use and basic city service delivery,” she said. “I’m stepping up to help lead this city into a brighter future and I stand ready to roll my sleeves up and get to work on day one.”
Santamoor also ran for an at-large seat in 2019.
“It takes grit and an underdog spirit to be a true leader in this city,” she said. “Philadelphia is where I live, work and raise my two young children. It’s where I spent my career helping people, working inside and alongside city government while focused on one thing – the number of people I can help.”
Santamoor sits on the board of Uplift Center for Grieving Children and has been an advocate for access to health care. In her previous campaign, she discussed a lack of access to the kind of care families desperately need, like high-quality treatment facilities for addiction and alcoholism and expanded social and emotional learning opportunities in schools.
“I have spent my career helping people get what they need from their government and I am prepared to continue that work as a councilmember,” she said. “If ever there was a time to vote for experienced candidates, it’s right now. My energy, experience and compassion has helped carry me through my years of public service and it will guide me in this next role.”
Santamoor served as chief of staff to Allan Domb, a former at-large councilman who resigned to run for mayor, and as a deputy managing director in the Nutter administration. In her 2019 bid, she received the endorsement of Transport Workers Union, UFCW, Sierra Club, International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Philly Set Go.
“Philadelphia can be the city we all want it to be with leaders who can do the hard work it takes to make meaningful changes for every community,” she said. ••
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. ••
Bingo 3 times a week
The Ukrainian Cathedral, at Brown and Franklin streets, hosts bingo every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Games start at 6:30. Call 215-829-8103. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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 [email protected]. ••
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. ••
REUNIONS
HIGH SCHOOLS
• South Philadelphia — Class of 1977. 45th reunion. Galdo’s Caterers, 1933 W. Moyamensing Ave. Saturday, Nov. 28. 7-11 p.m. $85. Buffet dinner, premium open bar, DJ Lorenzo. Carmen Smith: 267-761-7873 or https://sphs77reunion.eventbrite.com.
OTHER REUNIONS
Navy Reunions
• Visit HullNumber.com for a listing of reunions. The site is a free service enabling Navy shipmates to renew old friendships. There are currently more than 8,700 Navy ship, submarine and air squadron personnel rosters listed. ••
