Reunion dance on Saturday
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. ••
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.
On Dec. 11 at 11:15 a.m., the church will present the play A Christmas Carol.
On Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m., the church will show the classic movie Miracle on 34th Street, with complimentary popcorn.
The St. James preschool 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. ••
Sign up for ice hockey
Sign-ups are open for the Tarken Ice Hockey League, for players ages 10-14. Players must have their own equipment. The season starts on Dec. 7, and the league plays Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 at Tarken Ice Rink, 6250 Frontenac St. The cost is $150. Register in the office weekdays from 4-8 p.m. For questions, email [email protected]. ••
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. ••
Buy lottery calendar
St. Martha Parish is selling 2023 lottery calendars for $25. Choose a three-digit number, and that number has 365 chances to win, based on the Pennsylvania Lottery number (straight) drawn at 7 p.m. The daily prize is $25, along with a monthly bonus of $100. Mail checks (along with contact information and your three-digit number and two alternate numbers) to St. Martha, 11301 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154. Put “2023 Calendar” in the memo section. ••
Free doughnut on Saturday
Factory Donuts Coffee’N Chicken, 7114 Frankford Ave., will host a grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. All guests will receive a free doughnut and half-off chicken wings throughout the day. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with dine-in, take out and online ordering available as well as the mobile app. For more information, visit https://www.factorydonuts.com/. ••
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. ••
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]. ••
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. ••
Learn about foster care
Catholic Social Services will hold information sessions on transitional foster care. There will be a meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. at 7340 Jackson St. There will be a virtual session on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP or for more information, call 267-975-9241 or email [email protected]. ••
Christmas sale on Saturday
The Northeast Catholic Alumni Association will hold a Christmas sale on Dec. 3, 10, and 17, from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. at 2700 Rhawn St. Credit cards are accepted. ••
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. ••
See Hello, Dolly!
Little Flower High School, 10th and Lycoming streets, will present three performances of Hello, Dolly! Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. General admission is $12. LF students, senior citizens and children under 8 are $8. Tickets, along with a pre-show dinner, are available for alumnae on Dec. 10. Visit www.lfchstheater.com. ••
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. ••
Attend vendor fair
Bustleton Memorial American Legion Post, 9151 Old Newtown Road, will host a vendor fair on Friday, Dec. 9, from 7-10 p.m. There will be more than 20 vendors. Food, drinks and raffles will be sold. Spots are $25. Bring your own table. Donations will benefit veterans and their families. Call 215-969-9437 or 215-815-3462. ••
Christmas at Ryerss
The Friends of Ryerss Museum & Library present A Ryerss Victorian Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be festive decorations, a raffle basket, a chance to write a letter to Santa, a visit from Santa from noon to 2, hot chocolate, homemade baked goods for sale, live music, crafts for all ages, fresh wreaths and holiday greens for sale and a used book sale. Ryerss Museum & Library is in Burholme Park, 7370 Central Ave. ••
Christmas social at St. Dom’s
St. Dominic Parish will host a Christmas social at Marian Hall, 8510 Frankford Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 6-10 p.m. There will be raffle baskets, dancing, buffett, desserts and beverages. Tickets are $18 and available at the rectory. ••
Somerton raising money for Florida
The Somerton Youth Organization is accepting donations for its football teams.
The organization’s 9U and 12U teams are undefeated NESAC champions and have qualified for the United Youth Football League championship, held in Plant City, Florida, Dec. 4-10.
The tournament has an entry fee, and the group is hoping to raise enough money to pay for the players’ travel and lodging. Money has been raised through coin drops, leaf raking and raffles.
Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/our-spartans-go-to-nationals-in-florida. ••
Join Girl Scouts
Girls ages 11 to 17 are welcome to join Girl Scout Troop 91504. Meetings are held Thursday evenings from 7 to 8:30 at Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave. Email [email protected] for more information. ••
Buy from small biz
American Workers Radio is promoting December as National Small Business Month. For more information, visit NationalSmallBusinessMonth.com or AmericanWorkersRadio.com. ••
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. 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. ••
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. ••
Christmas bazaar on Saturday
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will be having its bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be gift shopping, attic treasures, a tombola game table, raffle prizes and baked goodies. Homemade food will be available in the church hall. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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, through Saturday, Dec. 24. Profits support patient care and medical research at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
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. ••
Bingo on Dec. 10
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will be having bingo on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1-4 p.m. Doors open at noon. Packages are $20 and include lunch. Call 215-423-0792. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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]. ••
Chanukah quiz
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a Chanukah “Quiz” Bowl with Rabbi Sandi Berliner following Shabbat services on Saturday, Dec. 24. Light refreshments will be served to celebrate Chanukah. Call 215-677-1600 to RSVP or for more details. ••
Chinese food and a movie
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a Chinese dinner and movie on Sunday, Dec. 25, at 5 p.m. The dinner is being catered by the Cherry Grill kosher Chinese restaurant. The cost is $22 per person. Send your payment along with the number of people attending to the address above. Call 215-677-1600 for more details. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
St. Jerome’s Senior Group will meet on Thursday, Dec. 22, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
Book club meeting
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding its January Zoom session on Monday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. The book is Montana 1948 by Larry Watson. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Feb. book club meeting
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding its February Zoom session on Monday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. The book is The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Sisterhood meeting
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be hosting a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. A representative of Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy will be speaking about the use of strength bands in therapy. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Victorian Christmas Tea at Redemption Lutheran
Redemption Lutheran Church, Bustleton Avenue and Rhawn Street, will host a Victorian Christmas Tea on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m. There will be Christmas carols, snacks, sandwiches, and information about the work of ELCA World Hunger Relief from guest speaker, Pastor Bruce Davidson. Admission is $20 and benefits the church’s steeple fund as well as ELCA World Hunger Relief. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 215-342-2085. ••
Baby shower at synagogue
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is hosting its annual baby shower on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. There will be games and refreshments while supporting Jewish Family and Children’s Services. The group will be collecting new children’s clothing in sizes newborn to 6 and new or gently used toys and equipment. Light refreshments will be served. Call 215-677-1600. ••
